George  Washington  Flowers 
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FAMILY  OF 

COLONEL  FLOWERS 


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REPORT 


OF 


GENERAL  ROBERT   E.  LEE, 


AND  SUBORDINATE  REPORTS 


OF    THK 


BATTLE  OF  CIIANCELLORSVILLE; 


ALSO, 


REPORTS  6F  MAJOR    GENERAL  J.   E.  B.    STUART  \TSl) 
BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FITZ  LEE,  OF  CAVALRY 
ENGAGEMENTS  AT  KELLEYSVILLE.       . 


ALSO, 


REPORT  OF   BRIGADIER  GENERAL  W.  H.  F.   LEE,  AND 

SUBORDINATES,  OF  CAVALRY  OPERATIONS  OF 

THE  14th  AND  15th  OF  APRIL,  1863. 


PUBLISHED  BY  ORDER  OF  CONGRESS. 


RICHMOND : 

R  M.  SMITH,  PUBLIC  PRINTER, 
1864. 


7>.  <i 

THE  FLOWERS  COLLECTION 


3 


d  7  H  ft  k 


MESSAGE  OF  THE  PRESIDENT. 

Richmond,  Va.,  Dec    31,   1863. 
Jb  f//e  House  of  Reprcsentatir 

In  further  response  to  your  resolution  of  tho  1 1th  instant,  I  here- 
with transmit  for  your  information  a  communication  from  the  Secre- 
tary of  War,  covering  copies  of  several  reports  of  military  operations.. 

JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


COMMUNICATION    OF   THE    SECRETARY   OF  WAR. 


Confederate  States  of  America,  ) 
War  Department,  > 

Richmmd,  Va.,  December  30,   1SG3.  S 

To  Ilis  Excellency,  the  President  : 

Str  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  herewith,  for  the  information  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  copies  of  the  reports  of  Major  General 
J.  E.  B.  Stuart  and  Brigadier  General  Fit/.  ,Lc<«.  of  cav.-il ry  engage- 
ment at  Kelleysville  ;  reports  of  Brigadier  General  W.  IT.  F,  Lee  and 
his  subordinates,  of  cavalry  operations  it  the  14th  ami  15th  of  April, 
1863  ;  reports  of  General  Lee  and  his  pubordinates,  of  the  battle  of 
Chanc^llorsville. 

I  am,  sir,  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  A.  SEDDON, 

Secretary  of  War. 


315909 


BATTLE    OF    CIIANCELLOKSVILLE. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE. 


Headquarters  Army  Northern  Virginia,  ) 
September  21,  1863.      $ 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  C.  S.  A.y  Richmond,  Va.: 

General  :  After  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  the  army  remained 
encamped  on  the  south  side  of  the  Rappahannock  until  the  latter  part 
of  April.  The  Federal  army  occupied  the  north  side  of  the  river, 
opposite  Fredericksburg,  extending  to  the  Potomac.  Two  brigades 
of  Anderson's  division,  those  of  Generals  Mahone  and  Posey,  were 
stationed  near  the  United  States  Mine  or  Bark  Mill  ford  ;  and  a  third, 
under  command  of  General  Wilcox,  guarded  Banks'  ford.  The  cav- 
alry was  distributed  on  both  flanks — Fitzhugh  Lee's  brigade  picketing 
the  Rappahnnnock  above  the  mouth  of  the  Rapidan,  and  W.  II.  F. 
Lee's  near  Port  Royal.  Hampton's  brigade  had  been  sent  into  the 
interior  to  recruit.  General  Longstreet,  with  two  divisions  of  his 
corps,  was  detached  for  service  south  of  James  river,  in  February, 
and  did  not  rejoin  the  army  until  after  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville. 
With  the  exception  of  the  engagement  between  Fitz  Lee's  brigade 
and  the  enemy's  cavalry  near  Kelley's  ford,  on  the  17th  of  March, 
1863,  of  which  a  brief  report  has  been  already  forwarded  to  the  De- 
partment, nothing  of  interest  transpired  during  this  period  of  inac- 
tivity. 

On  the  1 4th  of  April,  intelligence  was  received  that  the  enemy's 
cavalry  was  concentrating  en  the  upper  Rappahannock.  Their  efforts 
to  establish  themselves  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  were  successfully 
resisted  by  Fitz  Lee's  brigade  and  two  regiments  of  W.  II.  F.  Lee's, 
the  whole  under  the  immediate  command  of  General  Stuart.  About 
the  21st,  small  bodies  of  infantry  appeared  at  Kelley's  ford  and  the 
Rappahannock  bridge,  and  almost  at  the  same  time  a  demonstration 
was  made  opposite  Port  Royal,  where  a  party  of  infantry  crossed  the 
river  about  the  23d.  These  movements  were  evidently  intended  to 
conceal  the  designs  of  the  enemy ;  but,  taken  in  connection  with  the 


315909 


reports  of  seout3,  indicated  that  the  Federal  army,  now  commanded 
by  Major  General  Hooker,  >vas  about  to  resume  active  operations. 
At  half-past  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  28th  of  April,  the  enemy  crossed 
the  Rappahannock  in  boats,  near  Fredericksburg^  and,  dtiving  off  the 
pickets  on  the  river-,  proceeded  to  lay  down  a  pontoon  bridge,  a  short 
distance  below  the  mouth  of  Deep  run.  Later  in  the  forenoon,  another 
"bridge  was  constructed  about  a  mile  below  the  fiTst.  A  considerable 
force  crossed  on  these  bridges  during  the  day.  and  was  massed  out  of  view 
under  the  high  banks  of  the  river.  The  bridges,  as  well  as  the  troops, 
were  effectually  protected  from  our  artillery  by  the  depth  of  the  river's 
bed  and  the  narrowness  of  the  stream,  while  the  batteries  on  the  op- 
posite heights  completely  commanded  the  wide  plain  between  our 
lines  and  "the  river. 

As  in  the  first  battle  of  Fred2ricksburg,  it  was  thought  best  to  se- 
lect positions  with  a  view  to  resist  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  rather 
than  incur  the  heavy  loss  that  would  attend  any  attempt  to  prevent 
his  crossing.  Our  dispositions  were  accordingly  made  as  on  the  for- 
mer occasion.  No  demonstration  was  made  opposite  any  other  point 
of  our  lines  at  Fredericksburg,  and  the  strength  of  the  force  that  had 
crossed,  and  its  apparent  indisposition  to  attack  indicated  that  the 
principal  effort  of  the  enemy  would  be  made  in  some  other  quarter, 
impression  was  confirmed  by  intelligence  received  from  General 
Stuart,  that  a  large  body  of  infantry  and  artillery  wa3  passing  up  the 
river.  During  the  forenoon  of  the  29th,  that  officer  reported  that 
the  enemy  had  crossed  in  force  near  Kelley's  ford,  on  the  preceding 
evening.  Later  in  the  day,  he  announced  that  a  heavy  column  was 
moving  from  Kelly's  towards  Germana  ford,  on  the  Rapidan,  and  an- 
other towards  Ely's  ford,  on  that  river.  The  routes  they  were  pur- 
suing, after  crossing  the  Rapidan,  converge  near  Chancellorsville, 
whence  several  roads  lead  to  the  rear  of  our  position  at  Fredericks- 
burg. 

On  the  night  of  the  29th,  General  Anderson  was  directed  to  pro- 
ceed towards  Chancellorsville,  and  dispose  Wright's  brigade  and  the 
troops  from  the  Bark  Mill  ford,  to  cover  these  roads.  Arriving  at 
Chancellorsville  about  midnight,  he  found  the  commands  of  Generals 
Mahooe  and  Posey  already  there,  having  been  withdrawn  from  the 
Bark  Mill  ford,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  guard.  Learning  that 
the  enemy  had  crossed  the  Rapidan  and  were  approaching  in  strong 
.force,  General  Anderson  retired  early  on  the  moining  of  the  30th,  to 
the  intersection  of  the  Mine  and  plank  roads,  near  Tabernacle  church, 
and  begau  to  entrench  himself.  The  enemy's  cavalry  skirmished  with 
his  rear  guard  as  he  left  Chancellorsville,  but  being  vigorously  re- 
pulsed by  Mahone's  brigade,  offered  no  further  opposition  to  his 
march.  Mahone  was  placed  on  the  old  turnpike,  Wright  and  Posey 
on  the  pi  ink  road.  In  the  meantime  General  Stuart  had  been  di- 
rected to  endeavor  to  impede  the  progress  of  the  column  marching 
by  way  of  Germana  ford.  Detaching  W.  II.  F.  Lee,  with  his  two 
regiments,  the  ninth  and  thirteenth  Virginia,  to  oppose  the  maia 
body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  General  Stuart  crossed  the  Rapidan  at 
Raccoon  ford,  with  Fits.    Leo's  brigade,  on  the  night  of  the  29th. 


Halting  to  give  hip,  men  a  few  hours'  repose,  ho  ordered  Colonel 
Owens,  with  the  thiid  •Vrginia  cavahy,  to  throw  himself  in  front  of 
the  enemy,  "while  the  rest  of  the  brigade  attacked  his  right  Hank,  at 
the  Wilderness  tavern,  between  Geimana  ford  and  Chanceilorsviile. 
By  this  means  the  match  of  this  column  was  delayed  until  twelve 
M.,  when  learning  that  the  one  from  Ely's  ford,  had  already  readied 
Chanceilorsviile.  General  Stuart  marched  by  Todd's  tavern  towards 
Spottsylvania  Court-House,  to  put  himself  in  communication  with  the 
main  body  of  the  army,  and  Colonel  Owens  feii  hack  upon  General 
Anderson. 

The  enemy  in  our  front,  near  Fredericksburg  continued  inactive, 
and  it  was  now  apparent  that  the  main  attack  would  be  made  upon 
our  flank  and  rear.  It  was  therefore  determined  to  leave  sufficient 
troops  to  hold  our  lines,  and,  with  the  main  body  of  the  army,  to  give 
battle  to  the  approaching  column.  Early's  division  of  Jack 
corps,  and  Barksdale's  brigade  of  McL  ision,  with  part  of  the 

reserve  artillery,  under  General  Pendleton,  were  entrusted  with  the 
defence  of  on:  i   at    Fn  urg,  and   at    midnight,  on  the 

30th,  General  Mb  Law  a  marched  with  the  rest  of  hiscomnand  towards 
Chanceilorsviile.  General  Jackson  followed  at  dawn  next,  morning, 
with  the  remaining  divisions  of  his  corps,  lie.  reached  the  position 
occupied  by  General  Ai  dei  a  at  eight  A.  M.,  and  immediately  be- 
gan preparations  to  advance.  At  eleven  A.  M.,  the  troops  moved 
forward  upon  the  plank  and  old  turnpike  roads — Anderson  with  the 
brigades  of  Wright  and  Posey,  leading  on  the  former,  McLaws,  with 
his  three  brigades,  preceded  by  Mahone's,  on  the  latter.  Generals 
Wih-ox  and  Perry,  of  Anderson's  division,  co-operated  with  Mel 

troops  followed  Anderson  on  the  plank  road.  Colonel  Ai- 
der's battalion  of  artillery  accompanied  the  advance.  The  ei 
was  soon  encountered  on  both  roads,  and  heavy  skirmishing  within- 
fantry  and  artillery  ensued,  our  troops  pressing  steadily  forward. 
A  strong  attack  upon  General  McLaws  was  repulsed  with  spirit  by 
Semmes'  brigade;  and  General  Wright',  by  direction  of  General  An- 
derson, diverging  to  thejeft  of  the  plank  road,  marched  by  way  of 
the  unfinished  railroad  from  Fredericksburg  to  Gordonsville,  and  turned 
the  enemy's  tight.  His  whole  line  thereupon  retreated  rapidly,  vig- 
orously pursued  by  our  troops,  until  they  arrived  within  about  one 
mile  of  Chanceilorsviile.  Here,  the  enemy  had  assumed  a  position 
of  great  natural  Btrength,  surrounded  on  all  sides  b}'  a  den;o  forest, 
filled  with  a  tangled  undergrowth,  in  the  midst  of  which  breastworks 
of  logs  had  been  constructed,  with  trees  felled  in  front  so  as  to  form 
an  almost  impenetrable  aha,'! is.  ITU  artillery  swept  the  few  narrow 
roads  by  which  his  position  could  be  approached  from  the  front,  and 
commanded  the  adjacent  woods.  The  left  of  his  line  extended  from 
Chanceilorsviile  towards  the  Rappahannock,  covering  the  Bark  Mill 
ford,  where  he  communicated  with  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  by  a 
pontoon  bridge.  Bis  tight  stretched  we^ward  along  the  Germana ford 
more  than   two  miles.     !  •  .  proaching   before   the 

Ittength  and  extent  of  his  line  could  be  ascertained,  and  as  the  nato 
the  country  rendered  it  hazardous  to  attack  by  night,  our  troops  were 


8 

halted  and  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  front  of  Chancellorsville.  at 
right  angles,  to  the  plank  road,  extending  on  the  right  to  the  mine 
road,  and  to  the  left  in  the  direction  of  the  Catharine  furnace. 

Colonel  Wickham,  with  the  fourth  Virginia  cavalry  and  Colonel 
Owen's  regiment,  was  stationed  between  the  mine  road  and  the  Rap- 
pahannock. The  rest  of  the  cavalry  was  upon  our  left  flank.  It 
was  evident  that  a  direct  attack  upon  the  enemy  would  be  attended 
with  great  difficulty  and  loss,  in  view  of  the  strength  of  his  position 
and  his  superiority  of  numhers.  It  was  therefore  resolved  to  en- 
deavor to  turn  his  right  flank  and  gain  his  rear,  leaving  a  force  in 
front  to  hold  him  in  check  and  conceal  the  movement.  The  execution 
of  this  plan  was  entrusted  to  Lieutenant  General  Jackson,  with  his 
three  divisions.  The  commands  of  Generals  McLaws  and  Anderson, 
with  the  exception  of  Wilcox's  brigade,  which  during  the  night  had 
been  ordered  back  to  Banks'  ford,  remained  in  front  of  the  enemy. 
Farly  on  the  morning  of  the  2nd  General  Jackson  marched  by  the 
Furnace  and  Brock  roads,  his  movement  being  effectually  covered  by 
Fitz  Lee's  cavalry,  under  General  Stuart  in  person.  As  the  rear  of 
the  train  wa8  passing  the  furnace,  a  large  force  of  the  enemy 
advanced  from  Chancellorsville  and  attempted  its  capture.  General 
Jackson  had  left  the  twenty-third  Georgia  regiment,  under  Colonel 
Best,  at  this  point  to  guard  his  flank  ;  and,  upon  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  T.  Brown,  whose  artillery  was  passing 
at  the  time,  placed  a  battery  in  position  to  aid  in  chef-king  his 
advance.  A  small  number  of  men  who  were  marching  to  join  their 
commands,  including  Captain  Moore,  with  his  two  companies  of  the 
fourteenth  Tennessee  regiment,  of  Archer's  brigade,  reported  to 
Colonel  Brown  and  supported  his  guns.  The  enemy  was  kept  back 
by  this  small  force  until  the  train  had  passed,  but  his  superior  num- 
bers enabled  him  subsequently  to  surround  and  capture  the  greater 
part  of  the  twenty-third  Georgia  regiment.  General  Anderson  wa8 
directed  t->  send  a  brigade  to  resist  the  further  progress  of  this 
column,  and  detached  General  Ptsey  for  that  purpose.  General 
Posey  became  warmly  engaged  with  a  superior  force,  but  being  rein- 
forced by  General  Wright,  the  enemy's  advance  was  arrested.  After 
a  long  and  fatiguing  march,  General  Jackson's  leading  division,  under 
General  Rodes,  reached  the  old  turnpike,  about  three  miles  in  rear  of 
Chancellorsville,  at  four,  P.  M.  As  the  different  divisions  arrived 
they  were  formed  at  right  angles  to  the  road — Rodes  in  front,  Trim- 
ble's division,  under  Brigadier  General  Colston,  in  the  second,  and 
A.  P.  Hill's  in  the  third  line.  At  six,  P.  M.,  the  advance  was 
ordered.  The  enemy  were  taken  by  surprise  and  fled,  after  a  biief 
resistance.  General  Rodes'  men  pushed  forward  with  great  vigor  and 
enthusiasm,  followed  closely  by  the  second  and  third  lines.  Position 
after  position  was  carried,  the  guns  captured,  and  every  effort  of  the 
enemy  to  rally  defeated  by  the  impetuous-  rush  of  our  troops.  In  the 
ardor  of  pursuit  through  the  thick  and  tangled  woods,  the  first  and 
second  lines  at  last  became  %iingled  and  moved  on  together  as  one. 
The  enemy  made  a  stand  at  a  line  of  breastworks  across  the  road  at 
the  house  of  Melzie  Chancellor,  but  the  troops  of  Rodes  and  Colston 


dashed  over  the  entrenchments  together,  and  the  fight  and  pursuit 
were  resumed  and  continued  until  our  advance  was  arrested  by  the 
abattis  in  front  of  the  line  of  works  near  the  central  position  at 
Chancellorsville.  It  was  now  dark,  and  General  Jackson  ordered  the 
third  line,  under  General  Hill,  to  advance  to  the  front  and  relieve  the 
troops  of  Rodes  and  Colston,  who  were  completely  blended  and  in 
such  disorder  from  their  advance  through  intricate  woods  and  over 
broken  ground  that  it  was  necessary  to  reform  them.  As  Hill's  men 
moved  forward,  General  Jackson,  with  his  staff  and  escort  returning 
from  tho  extreme  front,  met  his  skirmishers  advancing,  and,  in  the 
obscurity  of  the  night,  were  mistaken  for  the  enemy  and  fired  upon. 
Captain  Boswell,  chief  engineer  of  the  corps,  and  several  others 
were  killed  and  a  number  wounded.  General  Jackson  himself 
received  a  severe  injury  and  was  borne  from  the  field.  The  command 
devolved  upon  Major  General  Hill,  whose  division,  under  General 
Heth,  was  advanced  to  the  line  of  entrenchments  which  had  been 
reached  by  Rodes  and  Colston.  A  furious  fire  of  artillery  was  opened: 
upon  them  by  the  enemy,  under  cover  of  which  his  infantry  advanced 
to  the  attack.  They  were  handsomely  repulsed  by  the  fifty-fifth  Vir- 
ginia regiment,  under  Colonel  Mallory,  who  was  killed  while  bravely 
leading  his  men.  General  Hill  was  soon  afterwards  disabled,  and 
Major  General  Stuart,  who  had  been  directed  by  General  Jackson  to- 
seize  the  road  to  Ely's  ford  in  rear  of  the  enemy,  was  sent  for  to  take 
command.  At  this  time  the  right  of  Hill's  division  was  attacked  by 
the  column  of  the  enemy  already  mentioned  as  having  penetrated  to 
the  furnace,  which  had  been  recalled  to  Chancellorsville  to  avoid 
being  cut  off  by  the  advance  of  Jackson.  This  attack  was  gallantly 
met  and  repulsed  by  the  eighteenth  and  twenty-eighth  and  a  portion. 
Of  the  thirty-third  North  Carol. na  regiments,  Lane's  brigade. 

Upon  General  Stuart's  arrival,  soon  afterwards,  the  command  was 
turned  over  to  him  by  General  Hill.  He  immediately  proceeded  to 
reconnoitre  the  ground  and  make  himself  acquainted  with  the  dispo- 
eition  of  the  troops.  The  darkness  of  the  night  and  the  difficulty  of 
moving  through  the  woods  and  undergrowth  rendered  it  advisable  to 
defer  further  operations  until  morning,  and  the  troops  rested  on  their 
arms  in  line  of  battle.  Colonel  Crutchfield,  chief  of  artillery  of  the 
corps,  was  severely  wounded,  and  Colonel  Alexander,  senior  artillery 
officer  present,  was  engaged  during  the  entire  night  in  selecting  posi- 
tions for  our  batteries.  As  soon  as  the  sound  of  cannon  gave  notice 
of  Jackson's  attack  on  the  enemy's  right,  our  troops  in  front  of  Chan- 
cellorsville were  ordered  to  press  him  strongly  on  tho  left,  to  prevent 
reinforcements  being  sent  to  the  point  assailed.  They  were  directed 
not  to  attack  in  force,  unless  a  favorable  opportunity  should  present 
itself,  and  while  continuing  to  cover  the  roads  leading  from  their 
respective  positions  towards  Chancellorsville,  to  incline  to  the  left,  so 
as  to  connect  with  Jackson's  right  as  he  closed  in  upon  the  centre. 
These  orders  were  well  executed,  our  troops  advancing  up  to  tho 
enemy's  entrenchments,  while  several  batteries  played  with  good 
effect  upon  his  lines,  until  prevented  by  the  increasing  darkness. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  General  Stuart  renewed  the  attack 


10 

upon  the  enemy,  who  had  strengthened  his  right  during  the  night 
with  additional  breastworks,  while  a  large,  number  of  guns,  protected 
1  v  entrenchments,  were  posted  so  ;is  to  sweep  the  woods  through 
which  our  troops  had  to  advance.  Hill's  division  was  in  front,  with 
Colston  in  the  second  hue  ajid  Bodes  in  the  third.  The  second  and 
third  lines  soon  advanced  to  the  support  of  the  first,  and  the  whole 
became  hotly  engaged.  The  breastworks  at  which  the  attack  was  sus- 
pended the  pree  ding  evening,  were  carried  by  assault,  under  a  terri- 
Sre  of  musketry  and  artillery.  In  rear  of  these  breastworks  was  a 
barricade  from  which  the  enemy  was  quickly  driven.  The  troops  on 
the  left  of  the  plank  road  pressing  through  the  woods,  attacked  and 
broke  the  next  line,  while  those  on  the  right  bravely  assailed  the 
extensive  earthworks  behind  which  the  enemy's  artillery  was  posted. 
Throe  times  were  these  works  carried,  and  ss  often  Were  the  brave 
assailants  compelled  to  abandon  them — twice  by  the  retirement  of  the 
troops  on  their  left,  who  fell  back  after  a  gallant  struggle  with  supe- 
rior numbers,  and  once  by  a  movement  of  the  enem)  on  their  right, 
caused  by  the  advance  of  General  Anderson.  The  left  being  rein- 
forced, finally  succeeded  in  driving  back  the  enemy,  and  the  artillery, 
und^r  Lieutenant  Colonels  Carter  and  Jones,  being  thrown  forward 
to  occupy  favorable  positions,  secured  by  the  advance  of  the  infantry, 
began  to  play  with  great  precision  and  effect.  Anderson,  in  the 
meantime,  pressed  gallantly  forward,  directly  upon  Chancellorsville, 
his  right  resting  upon  the  plank  road  and  his  left  extending  around 
the  furnace,  while  McLaws  made  a  strong  demonstration  to  the  right 
of  the  road.  As  the  troops  advancing  upon  the  enemy's  front  and 
right,  converged  upon  his  central  position,  Anderson  effected  a  junc- 
tion with  Jackson's  corps,  and  the  whole  line  pressed  irresistibly  on. 
The  enemy  was  driven  from  all  his  fortified  positions  Avith  heavy  lots 
in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  and  retreated  towards  the  Rappa- 
hannock. By  ten,  A.  M.,  we  were  in  full  possession  of  the  field.  The 
troops  having  become  somewhat  scattered,  by  the  difficulties  of  the 
ground  and  the  ardor  of  the  contest,  were  immediately  reformed  pre- 
paratory to  renewing  the  attack.  The  enemy  had  withdrawn  to  a 
strong  position  nearer  to  the  Rappahannock,  which  he  had  previously 
fortified  His  superiority  cf  numbers,  the  unfavorable  nature  of  the 
ground,  which  was  densely  wooded,  and  the  condition  of  our  troops 
after  the  arduous  and  sanguinary  conflict  in  which  they  had  been 
engaged,  rendered  great  caution  necessary.  Our  preparations  were 
just  completed,  when  further  operations  were  arrested  by  intelligence 
received  f:om  Fredericksburg. 

General  Early  had  been  instructed,  in  the  event  of  the  enemy  with- 
drawing from  his  front  and  moving  up  the  river,  to  join  the  main 
body  of  the  army,  with  so  much  of  his  command  as  could  be  spared 
from  the  defence  of  his  lines.  This  order  was  repeated  on  the  2d, 
but  by  a  misapprehension  on  the  part  of  the  officer  conveying  it, 
General  Early  was  directed  to  move  unconditionally.  Leaving  Hays' 
brigade  and  one  regiment  of  Barkadale's  at  Fredericksburg,  and 
directing  a  part  of  General  Pendleton's  artillery  to  be  sent  to  the 
rear,  in  compliance  with  the  order  delivered  to  him,  General  Early 


u 

moved  with  the  rest  of  his  command-  towards  Chanoellorsville.  As 
soon  as  his  withdraw*!  was  perceived,  the  enemy  began  to  give  cvi- 
d<  nee  of  an  intention  to  advance,  hut  the  mistake  in  rhe  transmission 
of  the  order  being  corrected,  Genera]  Early  returned  to  his  original 
po-ition.  The  line  to  he  defended  by  Barksdales  brigade  extended 
from  the  Rappahannock,  above  Fredericksburg,  to  the  rear  of  llowi- 
eon's  house,  a  distance  of  more  than  two  miles.  The  artillery. was 
posted  along  the  heights  in  rear  of  the  town.  Before  dawn;  on  tho 
morning  of  the  3d,  General  Barksdale  reported  to  General  Early  that 
the  enemy  hud  occupied  Fredericksburg  in  largo  force,  and  laid 
down  a  bridge  at  the  town.  Hays'  brigade  was  sent  to  his  support 
and  placed  on  his  extreme  left,  with  the  exception  of  one  regiment, 
Btationed  on  the  right  of  his  line  behind  Howison's  house.  Seven 
companies  of  the  twenty-first  Mississippi  regiment  were  posted  by 
Genera!  Birksdale  between  the  Marye  house  and  the  plank  road;  the 
eighteenth  and  the  three  other  companies  of  the  twenty-first 
pied  the  telegraph  road  at  the  foot;  of  Marye's  hill,  the  two  remain- 
ing regiments  of  the  brigade  bein^  further  to  ihe  right  on  the  hills 
near  to  Howison's  house.  The  enemy  made  a  demonstration  against 
the  extreme  right  which  was  easily  repulsed  by  General  Early.  3oon 
afterwards  a  column  moved  from  Fredericksburg  along  the  river 
banks,  as  if  to  gain  the  heights  on  the  extreme  left,  which  com- 
manded those  immediately  in  rear  of  the  town.  This  was 
foiled  by  General  Hays,  and  the  arrival  of  General  Wilcox  from 
Banks1  ford,  who  deployed  a  few  skirmishers  on  the  hill,  near  Tay- 
lor's house,  and  opened  upon   the  enemy  with  a  section  of  artilh 

soon  the  enemv  advanced  in  large  force  against  Maryc'a  and  tho 
hills  to  the  right  and  left  of  it.  Two  assaults  were  gallantly 
repulsed  bj  Barksdale's  men  and  the  artillery.  After  the  second,  a 
flag  of  truce  was  sent  from  the  town  to  obtain  permission  to  provide 
the  wounded.  Three  heavy  lines  advanced  immediately  upon  tho 
return  of  the  flag,  an  i  renewed  the  attack.  They  were  bravely 
repulsed  on  the  right  and  left,  but  the  small  force  at  the  foot  of 
Marye's  hill,  overpowered  by  more  than  ten  times  their  numbers,  was 
captured,  after  a  heroic  resistance,  and  the  hill  carried.  Eight  pieces 
of  artillery  were  taken  on  Marye's  ami  the  adjacent  heig  ts.  The 
remaindei  of  Barksdale's  brigade,  together  with  that  of  General  1 1 
ami  the  artillery  on  tho  ri^hr,,  retired  down   the  telegraph  road. 

Th  »f  the  enemy  enabled  him  to  threaten  oar  communica- 

tions by  moving  flown  the  telegraph  toad,  or  to  come  upon  our  rear  at 
Cnancellorsville  by  the  plank  road.  He  at  first  advanced  on  the 
former,  but  was  checked  by  General  Early,  who  had  halted  the  com- 
mands of  HaiKsdale  and  Hays,  with  the  artillery,  about  two  t 
from  Marye'e  hill,  and  reinforced  them  with  three  regiments  cf  Gor- 
don's brigade. 

The  criPinv  tlmn  lug  rj  to  advance    up  the  plank  road,  his  pro;p 
being  gallantly  disputed    by  the   brigade  of  General  Wilcox,  \\h<>  had 
moved  from  Bank's   ford  as  rapidly   as  possible,  to   the  assistan 
General  Barksdale  ;  but  arrived  too  late  to  take   part  in   tho  action. 


12 

General  Wilcox  fell  back  slowly  until  he  reached  Salem  Church,  on 
the  plank  road,  about  five  miles  from  Fredericksburg. 

Information  of  this  state  of  affairs  in  our  rear  having  reached 
Chancellorsville,  as  already  stated,  General  McLaws,  with  his  three 
brigades  and  one  of  General  Anderson's,  was  ordered  to  reinforce 
General  Wilcox.  He  arrived  at  Salem  Church  early  in  the  afternoon, 
where  he  found  General  Wilcox  in  line  of  battle,  with  a  largo  force  of 
the  enemy,  consisting,  as  was  reported,  of  one  army  corps  and  part 
of  another,  under  Major  General  Sedgwick,  in  his  front.  The 
brigades  of  Kershaw  and  Wofford  were  placed  on  the  right  of  Wilcox, 
those  of  Semmes  and  Mahone  on  his  left. 

The  enemy's  artillery  played  vigorously  upon  our  position  for  some 
time,  when  his  infantry  advanced  in  three  strong  lines,  the  attack 
being  directed  mainly  against  General  Wilcox,  but  partially  involving 
the  brigades  on  his  left.  The  assault  was  met  with  the  utmost  firm- 
ness, and  after  a  fierce  struggle,  the  first  line  was  repulsed  with  great 
slaughter.  The  second  then  came  forward,  but  immediately  broke 
under  the  close  and  deadly  fire  which  it  encountered,  and  the  whole 
mass  fled  in  confusion  to  the  rear.  They  were  pursued  by  the 
brigades  of  Wilcox  and  Semmes,  which  advanced  nearly  a  mile,  when 
they  were  halted  to  reform  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy's  reserve, 
which  now  appeared  in  large  force.  It  being  quite  dark,  General 
Wilcox  deemed  it  imprudent  to  push  the  attack  with  his  small  num- 
bers, and  retired  to  his  orginal  position,  the  enemy  making  no  at- 
tempt to  follow. 

The  next  morning  General  Early  advanced  along  the  telegraph 
road,  and  recaptured  Marye's  and  the  adjacent  hills,  without  difficulty, 
thus  gaining  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  left.  He  then  proposed  to 
General  McLaws  that  a  simultaneous  attack  should  be  made  by  their 
respective  commands,  but  the  latter  officer,  not  deeming  his  force  ale- 
quate  to  assail  the  enemy  in  front,  the  proposition  was  not  carried  into 
effect.  In  the  meantime,  the  enemy  had  so  strengthened  his  position 
near  Chancellorsville,  that  it  was  deemed  inexpedient  to  assail  it 
with  less  than  our  whole  force,  which  could  not  be  concentrated  until 
we  were  relieved  from  the  danger  that  menaced  our  rear.  It  was  ac- 
cordingly resolved  still  further  to  reinforce  the  troops  in  front  of  Gen- 
eral Sedgwick,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  drive  him  across  the  Rappa- 
hannock. Accordingly,  on  the  4th,  General  Anderson  was  directed 
to  proceed,  with  his  remaining  three  brigades,  to  join  Gen.  McLaws — 
the  three  divisions  of  Jackson's  corps  holding  our  position  at  Chan- 
cellorsville. Anderson  reached  Salem  Church  about  noon,  and  was 
directed  to  gain  the  left  flank  of  the  enemy  and  effect  a  junction 
with  Early.  McLaws'  troops  were  disposed  as  on  the  previons  day, 
with  orders  to  hold  the  enemy  in  front,  and  to  push  forward  his  right 
brigales  as  soon  as  the  advance  of  Anderson  and  Early  should  be 
perceived,  so  as  to  connect  with  them  and  complete  the  continuity  of 
our  line. 

Some  delay  occurred  in  getting  the  troops  into  position,  owing  to 
the  broken  and  irregular  nature  of  the  ground,  and  the  difficulty  of 
ascertaining  the  disposition  of  the  enemy's  forces.     The  attack  did 


13 

mot  begin  until  six,  P.  M  ,  when  Anderson  and  Early  moved  forward 
and  drove  General  Sedgwick's  troops  rapidly  before  them,  across  the 
plank  road  in  the  direction  of  the  Rappahannock.  The  speedy  ap- 
proach of  darkness  prevented  General  YcLaws  from  perceiving  the 
success  of  the  attack,  until  the  enemy  began  to  recross  the  river  a 
short  distancee  below  Bank's  ford  where  he  had  laid  one  of  his  pon- 
toon bridges.  His  right  brigades,  under  Kershaw  and  Wofford,  ad- 
vanced through  the  woods  in  the  direction  of  the  firing,  but  the  re- 
tieat  was  so  rapid  that  they  could  only  join  in  the  pursuit.  A  dense 
fog  settled  over  the  field,  increasing  the  oVscurity,  and  rend-  ring 
great  caution  neceesiry  to  avoid  collision  between  our  own  troops. 
Their  movements  were  consequently  slow.  General  Wilcox,  with 
Kershaw's  brigade  and  two  regiments  of  his  own,  accompanied  by  a 
battery,  proceeded  nearly  to  the  river,  capturing  a  number  of  prison- 
ers and1  inflicting  great  damage  upon  the  enemy.  General  McLaws 
also  directed  Colonel  Alexander's  artillery  to  fire  upon  the  locality  of 
the  enemy's  bridge,  which  was  done  with  good  effect.  The  next 
morning  it  was  found  that  General  Sedwick  had  made  good  his  escape, 
and  removed  his  bridges.  Fredericksburg  was  also  evacuated,  and  our 
rear  no  longer  threatened.  But,  as  General  Sedgwick  had  it  in  his 
power  to  recross,  it  was  deemed  best  to  leave  General  Early  with  his 
division  and  Barksdale'e  brigade  to  hold  our  lines  as  before — McLaws 
and  Anderson  being  directed  to  return  to  Ohancellorsville  They 
reached  their  destination  during  the  afternoon,  in  the  midst  of  a  vio- 
lent storm,  which  continued  throughout  the  night  and  most  of  the 
following  day. 

Preparations  were  made  to  assail  the  enemy's  works  at  daylight 
on  the  6th  ;  but,  on  advancing  our  skirmishers,  it  was  found  that, 
under  cover  of  the  storm  find  darkness  of  the  night,  he  had 
retreated  over  the  river.  A  detachment  was  left  to  guard  the  bat- 
tle-field, while  the  wounded  were  being  removed,  and  the  captured 
property  collected.  The  rest  of  the  army  returned  to  its  former 
position. 

The  particulars  of  these  operations  will  be  found  in  the  reports  of 
the  several  commanding  officers,  which  are  herewith  transmitted. 
They  will  show  more  fully  than  my  limits  will  suffer  me  to  do,  tho 
dangers  and  difficulties  which,  under  God's  blessing,  were  surmounted 
by  the  fortitude  and  valor  of  our  army.  The  conduct  of  the  troops 
cannot  be  too  highly  praised.  Attacking  largelysuperior  numbers, 
in  strongly  entrenched  positions,  their  heroic  courage  overcame  every 
obstacle  of  nature  and  art,  and  achieved  a  triumph  most  honorable  to 
our  arms.  I  commend  to  the  particular  notice  of  the  department  the 
brave  officers  and  men  mentioned  by  their  superiors,  for  extraordinary 
daring  and  merit,  whose  names  I  am  unable  to  enumerate  here. 
Among  them  will  be  found  some  who  have  passed,  by  a  glorious  death, 
beyond  the  reach  of  praise,  but  the  memory  of  whose  virtues  and  devoted 
patriotism  will  ever  bo  cherished  by  their  grateful  countrymen.  The 
returns  of  the  medical  director  will  show  the  extent  of  our  loss,  which, 
from  the  nature  of  the  circumstances  actending  the  engagement,  cocld 
not  be  otherwise  than  severe.     Many  valuable  officers  and  men  were 


14 

killed  or  wounded  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  duty.  Among  the' 
former.  Brigadier  General  Paxton  fell,  while  leading  his  brigade,  with 
conspicuous  couiage,  in  the  assault  on  the  enemy's  Avorks  at  Chancel* 
lorsville.  The  gallant  Brigadier  General  Nichols  lost  a  leg  ;  Brigadier 
General  McGowan  was  severely,  and  Brigadier  Generals  Fleth  ->nd 
Pender  were  slightly  wounded  in  the  same  engagement.  The  latter 
officer  led  his  brigade  to  the  attack  under  a  destructive  fire,  bearing 
the  colors  of  a  legimefit  in  his  own  hands,  up  to  and  over  the  en- 
trenchments, with  the  most  distinguished  gallantry.  General  Hoke 
received  a  painful  wound  in  the  action  near  Fredericksburg.  The 
movement  by  which  the  enemy's  position  was  turnel,  and  the  fortune 
of  the  day  decided,  was  conducted  by  the  lamented  Lieutenant  Gen- 
eral Jackson,  who,  as  has  already  been  stated,  was  severely  wounded 
near  the  close  of  the  engagement  on  Saturday  evening.  I  do  not 
propose  here  to  speak  of  the  character  of  this  illustrious  man,  since 
removed  from  the  scene  of  his  eminent  usefulness  by  the  hand  of  an 
inscrutable  but  all-wi  e  Providence.  I  nevertheless  desire  to  pay  the' 
tribute  of  my  admiration  to  the  matchless  energy  and  skill  that  marked 
this  last  act  of  his  life,  forming  as  it  did,  a  worthy  conclusion  of  that 
long  series  of  splendid  achievements  which  won  for  him  the  lasting 
love  and  gratitude  of  his  country.  MajVr  General  A.  P.  Hill  was 
disabled  soon  after  assuming  command,  but  did  not  have  the  field 
until  the  arrival  of  Major  General  Stuart.  The  latter  officer  ably 
discharged  the  difficult  and  responsible  duties  which  he  was  thus  un- 
expectedly called  to  perform.  Assuming  the  command  late  in  tho 
night,  at  the  close  of  a  fierce  engagement,  and  in  the  immediate  pres- 
ence of  the  enemy,  necessarily  ignorant,  in  a  great  measure,  of  the 
disposition  of  the  troops,  and  of  the  plans  of  those  who  had  preceded 
him,  General  Stuart  exhibited  great  energy,  promrtoess,  and  intel- 
ligence. During  the  continuance  of  the  engagement  the  next  day, 
he  conducted  the  operation  on  the  left  with  distinguished  capacity  and 
vigor,  stimulating  and  cheering  the  troops  by  the  example  of  his  ovvn 
coolness  and  daring.  While  it  is  impossible  to  mention  all  who  were 
conspicuous  in  the  several  engagements,  it  will  not  be  considered  an 
invidious  distinction  to  say  that  General  Jackson,  after  he  wad 
•wounded,  in  expressing  the  satisfaction  he  derived  from  the  conduct 
o£  his  whole  command,  commended  to  my  particular  attention  the 
services  of  Brigadier  General  (now  Major  General)  Rodes  and  his 
gallant  division.  Major  General  Early  performed  the  important 
and  responsible  duty  entrusted  to  him  in  a  manner  which  reflected 
credit  upon  himself  and  his  command.  Major  General  R.  II.  Ander- 
son was  also  distinguished  for  the  promptness,  courage,  and  skill 
with  which  he  and  his  division  executed  every  order;  and  Brigadier 
Gereral  (now  Major  General)  Wilcox  is  entitled  to  especial  praise  for 
the  judgment  and  bravery  displayed  in  impeding  the  advance  of  Gen- 
eral Sedgwick  towards  Chancellorsville,  and  for  the  gallant  and  suc- 
cessful stand  at  Salem  Church.  To  the  skillful  and  efficient  manage- 
ment of  the  artillery,  the  successful  issue  of  the  contest  is  in  great 
measure  due.  The  ground  was  not  favorable  for  its  employment,  but 
every  suitable  position  was  taken  with  alacrity,  and  the  operations  of 


15 

the  infantry  supported  and  assisted  with  a  spirit  and  courage  not 
second  to  their  own.  It  bore  a  prominent  part  in  the  final  as- 
sault, which  ended  in  driving  the  enemy  from  the  field  at  Chanccl- 
lorsville,  silencing  his  batteries,  and  by  a  destructive  enfilade  fire 
upon  his  works,  opened  the  way  for  the  advance  of  our  troops.  Col- 
onels Crutchfield,  .Alexander  and  Walker,  and  Lieutenant  Colonels 
Brown,  Carter  and  Andrews,  with  the  officers  and  men  of  their  com- 
mands, are  mentioned  as  deserving  especial  commend  ition.  The 
batteries  under  General  %endleton  also  acted  with  great  gallantry. 
The  cavalry  of  the  army  at  the  time  of  these  operations  was  much 
reduced.  To  its  vigilance  and  energy  we  were  indebted  for  timely 
information  of  the  enemy's  movements  before  the  battle,  and  for  im- 
peding his  march  to  Chancellorsville.  It  guarded  both  flanks  of  the 
army  during  the  battle  at  that  place,  and  a  portion  of  it,  as  has  been 
already  stated,  rendered  valuable  service  in  covering  the  march  of 
Jackson  to  the  enemy's  rear.  The  horse  artillery  accompanied 
the  infantry,  and  participated,  with  credit  to  itself,  in  the  engige- 
inent.  The  nature  of  the  country  rendered  it  impossible  for  the  cav- 
alry to  do  more.  When  the  enemy's  infantry  passed  the  Rappahan- 
nock at  Kelley's  ford,  his  cavalry,  under  General  Stoneman,  also 
crossed  in  large  force,  and  proceeded  through  Culpeper  county 
towards  Gordonsville,  for  the  purpose  of  cutting  the  railroads  to 
Richmond.  General  Stuart  had  nothing  to  oppose  to  this  movement 
but  two  regiments  of  Brigadier  General  W.  II.  F.  Lee's  brigade — the 
ninth  and  thirteenth  Virginia  cavalry.  General  Lee  fell  back  before 
the  overwhelming  numbers  of  the  enemy;  and,  after  holding  the  i  ail- 
road  bridge  over  the  Rapidan  duri"g  the  1st  of  May,  burned  the 
bridge  and  retired  to  Gordonsville  at  night.  The  enemy  avoided 
Gordonsville,  and  reached  Louisa  Court-House,  on  the  Central  rail- 
road, which  he  proceed  to  break  up.  Dividing  his  force,  a  part  of  it 
also  cut  the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroad,  and  a  part  pro- 
ceeded to  Columbia,  on  the  James  River  and  Kanawha  canal,  with 
the  design  of  destroying  the  acqueduct  at  that  plice.  The  small 
command  of  General  Lee  exerted  itself  vigorously  to  defeat  this  pur- 
pose. The  damage  done  to  the  railroads  was  small,  and  soon  repaired, 
and  the  canal  was  saved  from  injury.  The  details  of  his  operations 
will  be  found  in  the  accompanying  memorandum,  and  are  creditable 
to  officers  and  men.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  the  battle  of  Chancel- 
lorsville and  the  other  engagements  was  severe.  His  dead,  and  a 
large  number  of  wounded,  were  left  on  the  field.  About  five  thousand 
prisoners,  exclusive  of  the  wounded,  were  taken,  and  thirteen  pieces 
of  artillery.  Nineteen  thousand  five  hundred  stand  of  arms,  seven- 
teen colors,  and  a  large  quantity  of  ammunition,  fell  into  our  hands. 
To  the  members  of  my  staff  I  am  greatly  indebted  for  assistance, 
in  observing  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  posting  troops,  and  con- 
veying orders.  On  so  extended  and  varied  a  field,  all  were  ca'led  into 
requisition,  and  all  evinced  the  greatest  energy  and  zeal.  The  medi- 
cal director  of  the  army,  Surgeon  Guild,  with  the  officers  of  his  De- 
partment, were  untiring  in  their  attention  to  the  wounded.  Lieu- 
tenant   Colonel    Corley,    chief  quartermaster,    took    charge    of    the 


16 

disposition  and  safety  of  the  trains  of  the  army.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Cole,  chief  commissary  of  its  subsistence,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Baldwin,  chief  of  ordnance,  was  everywhere  on  the  field,  attending  to 
the  wants  of  his  department.  General  Chilton,  chief  of  staff,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Murray,  Major  Peyton,  and  Captain  Young,  of  the 
adjutant  and  inspector  general's  department,  were  active  in  seeing  to 
the  execution  of  orders.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Smith  and  Captain  John- 
ston, of  the  engineers,  in  reconnoitering  the  enemy  and  constructing 
batteries ;  Colonel  Long,  in  posting  troopT  and  artillery  ;  Majora 
Taylor,  Talcott,  Marshall  and  Venable,  were  engaged  night  and  day 
in  watching  the  operations,  carrying  orders,  &c. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

R.  E.  LEE,  General. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  STUART. 

Headquarters  Second    Cokps,  Army  of  No.  Virginia,  ) 

May  Gtk,   1863.  5 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  and  I.  G.,  Headquarters  Army  of  No.  Virginia  : 

General:  1  have  the  honor  to  submit,  i'.i  advance  of  a  detailed 
report,  the  following  narrative  of  events  connected  with  the  battle  of 
the  Wilderness,. -May  2d,  and  of  Chancellorsville,  May  3d,  and  events 
following : 

Thin  corps,  under  its  immortal  leader,  Lieutenant  General  Jackson, 
attacked  the  enemy  on  his  right,  turning  his  right  flank  by  the  turn- 
pike road  at  Melzie  Chancellor's,  two  miles  above  Chancellorsville, 
making  the  attack  late  in  the  evening,  after  an  arduous  and  necessa- 
rily circuitous  march  from  the  plank  road,  two  miles  below  Ohan.cel- 
loreviile.  The  enemy  had  a  fine  position,  and  if  time  had  been  given 
him  to  recover  from  his  first  surpri.se,  and  mass  troops  on  that  front, 
it  would  have  been  a  difficult  task  to  dislodge  them;  but  Jackson's 
entire  corps,  both  when  marching  and  when  in  position,  had  been,  pur- 
posely screened  from  view  by  the  cavalry  of  Fits.  Lee's  brigade,  on 
important  duty  which  he  performed  with  great  skill  and  address. 
The  attack  was  thus,  in  a  measure,  a  surprise.  The  enemy's  liue  of 
entrenchments  was  carried,  and  his  legions  driven  in  confusion  from 
the  field.  It  was  already  dark  when  1  sought  General  Jackson,  and 
proposed,  as  there  appealed  nothing  else  for  rac  to  do,  to  take  some 
cavalry  and  infantry  over  and  hold  the  Ely's  ford.  He  approved  the 
proposition,  and  1  had  already  gained  the  heights  overlooking  the. 
ford,  where  was  a  large  number  of  camp-fires,  when  Captain  Adam-. 
of  General  A.  P.  Hill's  staff,  reached  me  post  haste,  and  informed  me 
of  the  sad- calamities  which  for  the  time  deprived  the  troops  of  the 
leadership  of  both  Jackson  and  Hill,  and  the  urgent  demand  for  me 
to  come  and  take  cmnmand  as  quickly  as  possible.  I  rode  with  rap- 
idity back  five  miles,  determined  to  press  the  pursuit  already  so  glo- 
riously begun.  General  Jackson  had  gone  to  the  rear,  but  (ieneral 
A.  P.  Hill  was  still  on  the  ground,  and  formally  turned  over  the  com- 
mand to  me.  1  sent  also  a  staff  officer  to  General  Jackson,  to  inform 
him  that  I  would  cheerfully  carry  out  any  instructions  he  would  give, 
and  proceeded  immediately  to  the  front,  which  I  reached  at  ten,  P.  M 
I  found,  upon  reaching  it,  A.  P  Hill's  divsion  in  front,  under  lleth, 
with  Lane's,  McGowan's,  Archer's,  and  Heth's  brigades  on  the  right 
of  the  road  within  half  a  mile  of  Chancellorsville,  near  the  apex  of 
the  ridge,  and  Pender's  and  Thomas'  on  the  left.  I  found  that  the 
enemy  had  made  an  attack  on  our  right  flank,  but  were  repulsed.  The 
fact,  however,  that  the  attack  was  made,  and  ataiight,  made  me  appre- 
hensive of  a  repetition  of  it,  and  necessitated  throwing  back  the  right 
■wing  so  as  to  meet  it.  I  was  also  informed  that  there  was  much  con- 
fusion on  the  right,  owing  to  the  fact  that  some  troops  mistook  frien  la 
1 


18 

fir  the  enemy  and  fired  upon  them.  '  Knowing  that  an  advance  under 
mch  circumstances  would  be  extremely  hazardous,  much  against  my 
inclination,  I  felt  bound  to  wait  for  daylight.  Gen.  Jackson  had  also 
Bent  me  word  to  use  my  own  discretion.  The  commanding  General 
was  with  the  right  wing  of  the  army,  with  which  I  had  no  communi- 
cation, except  by  a  very  circuitous  and  uncertain  route.  I  neverthe- 
less sent  a  dispatch  to  inform  him  of  the  state  of  affairs,  and  rode 
around  the  lines  restoring  order,  imposing  silence,  and  making 
arrangements  for  the  attack  early  next  day.  I  sent  Colonel  E.  P. 
Alexander,  senior  officer  of  artillery,  to  select  and  occupy  with  artil- 
lery, positions  along  the  line  bearing  upon  the  enemy's  position,  with 
which  duty  he  was  engaged  all  night.  At  early  dawn,  Trimble's 
division  composed  the  second  line,  and  Rodes'  division  the  third.  The 
latter  had  his  rations  on  the  spot,  and  as  his  men  were  entirely  with- 
out food,  was  extremely  anxious  to  issue.  I  was  disposed  to  wait  a 
short  time  for  this  purpose ;  but  when,  as  preliminary  to  an  attack,  I 
ordered  the  right  of  the  first  line  to  swing  around,  and  come  perpen- 
dicular to  the  road,  the  order  was  misunderstood  for  an  order  to 
attack,  and  that  part  of  the  line  became  engaged.  I  ordered  the 
whole  line  to  advance,  and  the  second  and  third  lines  to  follow.  As 
the  sun  lifted  the  mist  that  shrouded  the  field,  it  was  discovered  that 
the  ridge  on  the  extreme  right  was  a  fine  position  for  concentrating 
artillery.  I  immediately  ordered  thirty  pieces  to  that  point,  and 
under  the  happy  effects  of  the  battalion  system,  it  was  done  quickly. 
The  effect  of  this  fire  upon  the  enemy's  batteries  was  superb.  In  the 
nieantime  the  enemy  was  pressing  our  left  with  infantry,  and  all  the 
reinforcements  I  could  obtain  were  sent  there.  Colquitt's  brigade,  of 
Trimble's  division,  ordered  first  to  the  right,  was  directed  to  the  left 
to  support  Pender.  Iverson's  brigade,  of  the  second  line,  was  also 
engaged  there,  and  the  three  lines  were  more  or  less  merged  into  one 
line  of  battle,  and  reported  hard  pressed.  Urgent  requests  were  sent 
for  reinforcements,  and  notices  that  the  troops  were  out  of  ammuni- 
tion, &c.  I  ordered  that  the  ground  must  be  held  at  all  hazards ;  if 
necessary,  with  the  bayonet.  About  this  time,  a^o,  our  right  con- 
nected with  Anderson's  left,  relieving  all  anxiet^on  that  subject.  I 
was  now  anxious  to  mass  infantry  on  the  left,  to  push  the  enemy 
there,  and  sent  every  available  regiment  to  that  point.  About  eight 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  works  of  the  enemy  directly  in  front  of  our  right 
■were  stormed,  but  the  enemy's  forces  retiring  from  the  line  facing 
Anderson,  which  our  batteries  enfiladed,  caused  our  troops  to  abandon 
these  works,  the  enemy  coming  in  their  rear.  It  was  stormed  a  second 
time,  when  I  discovered  the  enemy  making  a  flank  movement  to  the 
leffrof  the  road  for  the  purpose  of  dislodging  our  forces,  and  hastened 
to  change  the  front  of  a  portion  of  our  line  to  meet  this  attack  ;  but  the 
shortness  of  the  time  and  the  deafening  roar  of  artillery  prevented 
the  execution  oi  this  movement,  and  our  line  again  retired.  The 
t':ird  time  it  was  takei^I  made  disposition  of  a  portion  of  Ramseurs 
brigade  to'  protect  the  left  flank.  Artillery  was  pushed  forward  to  the 
crest,  sharpshooters  were  posted  in  a  house  in  advance,  and  in  a  few 
ticments  Chancellorsville  was  our's,  (ten  o'clock,  A.  M.)     The  enemy 


19 

retired  towards  Ely'y  ford,  the  road  to  United  States  ford  branching 
one-half  mile  west  of  Chanccllorsville.  In  this  hotly  contested  battle, 
the  enemy  had  strong  works  on  each  side  of  the  road,  those  on  the 
commanding  ridge  being  heavily  defended  by  artillery.  The  night, 
ako,  had  given  him  time  to  mass  his  troops  to  meet  this  attack  ;  but 
the  desperate  valor  of  Jackson's  corps  overcame  every  obstacle,  and 
drove  the  enemy  to  his  new  line  of  defence,  which  his  engineers  had 
constructed  in  his  rear,  ready  for  occupation,  at  the  intersection  of  the 
Ely's  ford  and  United  States  ford  roads.  General  Anderson's  division 
of  the  right  wing,  arrived  upon  the  field,  comparatively  fresh.  I -set 
about  reforming  my  command,  with  a  view  to  a  renewal  of  the  attack, 
when  the  commanding  General  received  intelligence  that  the  enemy 
had  crossed  at  Fredericksburg  and  taken  Marye's  hill.  An  aid-de- 
camp of  General  Sedgwick,  captured  by  Colonel  "Wickham's  regiment 
on  the  right,  near  Banks'  ford,  reported  two  corps,  under  command  of 
Sedgwick.  The  commanding  General  decided  to  hold  Hooker,  beaten, 
as  he  was,  in  his  works,  with  Jackson's  corps,  and  detach  enough  of 
other  forces  to  turn  on  Sedgwick.  The  success  of  this  strategy 
(nabled  him  again  to  concentrate,  to  force  Hooker's  position,  and 
arrangements  were  made  for  attack  with  this  corps  on  the  morning  of 
the  6th,  (Wednesday,)  but  before  it  was  begun  our  skirmishers  found 
the  enemy's  works  abandoned,  and  pressing  forward  to  the  river,  cap- 
tured many  prisoners.  The  enemy  had  another  work  two  miles  in. 
rear  of  the  other,  which  was  also  abandoned.  This  region  of  country 
is  known  as  "The  Wilderress."  Rapid  pursuit  in  such  a  country  is 
an  impossibility,  where  the  enemy  takes  care  to  leave  his  trains  beyond 
the  Rappahannock,  and  avails  himself,  as  he  does,  of  the  appliances 
of  art,  labor,  and  natural  obstacles  to  delay  his  pursuers.  In  this 
.battle,  in  which  the  enemy's  main  force  was  attacked  in  chosen  posi- 
tions, he  was  driven  entirely  from  the  field,  and  finally  fled  across  the 
river.     Our  troops  behaved  with  the  greatest  heroism. 

I  desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  commanding  General  to  the  fact 
that  I  was  called  to  the  command,  at  ten  o'clock  at  night,  on  the  battle 
field,  of  the  corps  (fapytee,  led  so  long  by  the  immortal  Jackson,  in  the 
midst  of  a  night  attack  made  by  the  enemy,  without  any  knowledge  of 
the  ground,  the  position  of  our  forces,  or  the  plans  thus  far  pursued,, 
and  without  an  officer  lefc  in  the  corps  above  the  rank  of  brigadier 
general.  Under  these  disadvantages,  the  attack  was  renewed  the  next 
morning,  and  prosecuted  to  a  successful  issue.  Msjor  General  A.  P. 
Hill,  who  had  the  misfortune  to  be  wounded  soon  after  the  command 
devolved  upon  him,  remained  near  the  field  next  day,  notwithstanding 
his  wound,  for  which  I  was  very  grateful,  for  circumstances  might 
have  arisen  making  his  presence  necessary. 

To  the  generals  of  divisions  and  brigades,  I  feel  greatly  indebted 
for  the  hearty  co-operation,  zeal,  r.nd  support  accorded  to  me  by  all. 
to  the  fullest  extent  of  their  ability.  The  field  officers  and  others,  I 
hope  to  particularize  hereafter  in  a  detail!  report,  when  the  data  is 
collected,  as  well  as  mention  rpecially  the  various  officers  serving  on 
my  staff  with  marked  distinction  during  the  day. 

1  labored  under  great  disadvantages    in    having   none    of  General 


20     ■ 

Jackson's  staff  with  me  until  after  the  action  began,  and  then  only 
Major  A.  S.  Pendleton,  who,  however,  behaved  with  great  heroism 
and  efficiency  when  he  did  join  me. 

Our  losses  were  heavy ;  the  enemy's  heavier.  In  Sunday's  bat- 
tle, Brigadier  Generals  Ramseur,  Heth,  and  McGowan,  were 
wounded,  and  Paxton  killed.  Heth  and  Ramseur,  though  painfully 
wounded,  persisted  in  retaining  command  to  the  close  of  the  fight. 
Their  heroic  conduct  will  be  specially  mentioned  in  the  report 
proper.  The  casualties  of  the  corps  I  have  not  the  means  of  know- 
ing, a3  before  the,  returns  were  completed,  I  relinquished  the  com- 
mand to  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill,  in  pursuance  to  the  orders  of  the 
commanding  General,  but  the  division  and  brigade  commmanders 
were  ordered  to  submit,  through  me,  their  reports  of  the  battle  of 
Ohancellorsville. 

The  cavalry  was  well  managed  by  Brigadier  General  Fitz.  Lee,  who 
siezed  Ely's  fold,  and  held  the  road  to  within  two  miles  of  Ohancel- 
lorsville, driving  the.  enemy's  cavalry  from  the  former  place.  His 
men,  without  rations  or  forage,  displayed  a  heroism  rarely  met  with 
under  any  circumstances,  and  guarding  the  two  flanks,  accomplished 
an  indispensable  part  of  the  great  success,  which  God  vouchsafed 
t,o  us. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  B.  STUART, 
Major  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  A.  P.  HILL. 

Headquarters  Second  Army  Corps,  ) 
May  8,  1863.      \ 

Major  W.  H.  Taylor,  A.  A.  G.: 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  very  imperfect 
sketch  of  our  operations  from  the  time  we  left  Fredericksburg  to  the 
recrossing  of  the  Rappahannock  by  the  enemy.  The  corps  of  General 
Jackson,  save  Early's  division,  left  our  lines  at  Hamilton's  Crossing 
at  dawn  on  the  morning  of  Friday,  the  1st  of  May.  Rodes'  division, 
A.  P.  Hill's  division,  and  Trimble's  division,  under  Colston,  arriving 
within  four  miles  of  Chancellorsville,  line  of  battle  was  formed — Rodes 
in  advance,  Hill  supporting,  and  Colston  in  reserve.  The  enemy 
were  then  rapidly  pushed  back  into  Chancellorsville.  Saturday 
morning  Rodes',  Colston's,  and  Hill's  divisions  were  led  by  General 
Jackson  on  the  enemy's  flank  and  rear,  crossing  the  two  plank 
roads  and  coining  into  the  turnpike ;  the  artillery  of  the  corps, 
under  Colonel  Crutchfield,  accompanying.  The  attack  was  made 
about  six,  P.  M. — Rodes'  division  and  some  artillery  in  advance;  Col- 
ston and  Hill  supporting.  The  attack  of  Rodes  was  made  with  great 
energy.  The  enemy  were  driven  for  three  miles,  and  into  his  works 
at  Chancellorsville,  with  the  loss  of  ten  pieces  of  artillery  and  many 
prisoners.  This  was  about  nine,  P.  ML,  and  General  Jackson  directed 
General  Hill  to  take  charge  of  the  pursuit.  "Whilst  Lane's  brigade 
was  forming  its  lines  for  advancing  and  throwing  out  hi3  skirmishers, 
General  Jackson  was  wounded.  The  enemy  then  made  an  attempt  to 
retake  their  rifle-pits  immediately  fronting  Chancellorsville,  but  were 
handsomely  driven  back  by  Colonel  Mallory,  fifty-fifth  Virginia, 
Heth's  brigade.  The  enemy,  during  this  time,  had  concentrated  a 
most  terrible  fire  of  artillery  on  the  head  of  Hill's  division  .from 
thirty-two  pieces  of  artillery.  General  Hill  was  disabled  during  this 
fire.  General  Stuart  was  sent  for,  and  the  command  of  the  corps 
turned  over  to  him. 

It  was  thought  best,  under  all  the  circumstances  not  to  push  the 
pursuit  any  further  that  night.  Next  morning  all  the  artillery  which 
could  be  put  in  position  having  been  brought  up,  the  infantry  in  three 
lines — Colston,  Hill,  (now  Heth's,)  and  Rodes — General  Stuart  re- 
newed the  attack  about  dawn.  The  enemy  were  gallantly  charged. 
The  combat  was  furious.  Colston's  division  having  become  some- 
what broken  and  disordered,  Heth  took  the  advance,  Archer  on  the 
extreme  right,  endeavoring  to  connect  with  Anderson,  and  Pender, 
with  two  brigades,  of  this  division,  on  the  left  of  the  road.  The  enemy 
were  again  charged,  and  twice  were  his  works  taken,  and  twice  re- 
linquished. Rodes'- division  came  up  to  the  support ;  and  after  some 
tremendons  fighting — all  three  divisions  being  engaged — the  enemy 
were  driven  out,  and  his  works  occupied  about  ten  o'clock.  Archer's 
brigade   captured  four  guns;  and  Brigadier  General  "William    Hays 


22 

was  captured  by  Pender's  brigade.     Ramseur's  brigade,  under  bis  gal- 
lant leadership,  was  conspicuous  throughout  the  three  days' fighting. 

Our  lines  were  again  formed,  covering  the  roads  leading  to  the 
United  States  ford.  Pender,  with  four  brigades  on  the  left,  Rodes  in 
the  centre,  and  Colston,  with  three  brigades,  on  the  right;  Heth,  with 
three  brigades,  was  sent  to  relieve  Anderson.  We  held  this  position 
during  Sunday  and  Monday,  whilst  Anderson  and  McLaws  were  de- 
tached to  drive  back  General  Sedgwick.  Several  advances  of  the 
enemy's  skirmishers  were  repulsed ;  and  he  occasionally  opened  a 
heavy  fire  of  artillery.  Sedgwick  having  been  demolished,  the  enemy 
recrossed  on  Tuesday  night. 

Major  General  Stuart  is  deserving  of  great  commendation  for  his 
admirable  management  of  the  troops.  Called  suddenly,  late  at  night, 
to  a  new  sphere  of  action,  and  eutirely  ignorant  of  the  positions  of  the 
brigades,  with  indomitable  energy  he  surmounted  all  difficulties,  and 
achieved  a  glorious  result.  Brigadier  General  Rode3  distinguished 
himself  much,  and  won  a  proud  name  for  himself  and  his  division. 
Generals  Heth,  Pender  and  Ramseur,  contributed  greatly  to  the  suc- 
cess of  our  arms.  Much  is  due  the  artillery.  Colonels  Crutchfield, 
Brown,  Walker  and  Alexander,  deserve  special  mention. 
.  Respectfully, 

A.  P.  HILL,  Major  General. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  ANDERSON. 

Headquarters  Anderson's  Division,      ) 

Near  Fredericksburg,  Va  . ,  \ 

June  6th,  1863.       ) 

Brigadier  General  R.  II.  Chilton^ 

Assistant  Adjutant  and  Inspector  General   and 

Chief  of  Staff,  A.  N.  V.  : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  tl  9 
operations  of  the  division  under  my  command,  during  the  late  en- 
gagements .along  the  Rappahannock  : 

Before  the  29th  of  April,  the  brigades  were  posted  as  follows  :  Ma- 
hone's  and  Posey's  at  United  States  Ford,  Wilcox's  at  Banks'  Ford, 
Perry's  near  the  old  mine  road,  about  three  miles  west  of  Fredericks- 
burg, and  Wright's  at  Massaponax  church. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2Gth  of  April,  when  the  enemy  crossed  tl  ft 
river  at  the  mouth  of  Deep  run,  Wright's  brigade  was  brought  up 
from  Massaponax  church,  and  placed  to  the  left  and  rear  of  M;>j'  r 
General  Early's  position.  Later  in  the  day.  it  was  ordered  to  tako 
post  near  Perry's  brigade,  and  at  dark  the  latter  was  moved  to  the  river 
to  relieve  such  of  the  troops  of  Mc Laws'  division  ;;s  were  on  duty 
above  Fredericksburg,  and  opposite  Falmouth.  About  nine  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  the  same  day,  I  received  orders  from  the  commanding  General 
to  repair  to  Chancellorsville,  and  to  make  such  a  disposition  of  tht) 
two  brigades  (Mahone's  and  Posey's)  which  had  been  posted  at  Unite  1 
States  ford,  as  to  check  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  who  had  crossed 
the  Rappahannock  at  the  fordsabove  the  Rapidan,  and  were  approach- 
ing Ely's  and  Germana  fords,  on  the  latter  river.  I  proceeded  to  obey 
these  directions,  and  ordered  Brigadier  General  Wright  to  move  hi* 
brigade  to  Chancellorsville.  Upon  arriving  at  Chancellorsville,  at 
midnight,  I  found  that  Brigadier  General  Mahone  had  already  occu- 
pied that  place,  with  the  troops  from  United  States  ford  ;  having  left 
a  regiment  from  his  own,  and  five  companies  of  the  ninth  Mississippi 
regiment,  from  Posey's  brigade,  to  hold  the  ford  as  long  as  possible.  .1 
learned  also  that  the  enemy  hadcrossod  the  Rapidan  at  Ely's  and  Ger- 
mana fords,  capturing,  after  a  very  obstinate  resistance,  the  greater 
part  of  a  working  party  and  picket,  which  had  been  stationed  at  the  latter 
place.  After  consultation  with  Brigadier  Generals  Mahone  and  Po- 
ecy,  and  an  examination  of  the  position  at  Chancellorsville,  I  decided 
upon  falling  back  from  that  phsce  to  the  point  on  the  plank  road,  at 
which  the  old  mine  road  crosses  it ;  and  this  was  dune  early  on  the 
morning  of  the  3  Ith  of  April — Wright's  brig  ide,  which  had  arrived 
at  daylight,  and  the  force  which  had  been  left  at  United  States  Ford, 
being  withdrawn  at  the  same  time.  Wright's  and  Posey's  brigades 
retired  from  Chancellorsville  by  the  plank  road,  and  Mahone's  by  the 
old  turnpike.  Whilst  they  were  moving  off,  and  before  the  pickets 
had  been  called  in,  the  cavalry  of  the  enemy,  under  cover  of  fog  and 
rain,  dashed  upon  the  picket  on  the  Ely's    ford  road,  and  captured  a 


24 

part  cf  one  company.  They  subsequently  attacked  the  rear  guard  of 
Mahone's  brigade,  but  were  so  effectually  repulsed,  that  we  were  no 
further  annoyed  by  thein  during  the  movement.  Upon  arriving  at 
the  intersection  of  the  old  mine  and  plank  roads,  I  met  .Colonel  W, 
P.  Smith,  chief  engineer,  army  Northern  Virginia,  and  Captain 
Johnston,  of  the  engineer  corps,  who  had  been  sent  by  the  command- 
ing General  to  examine  the  position,  and  establish  the  line  of  en- 
trenchment?. The  work  of  entrenching  was  commenced  immediately 
after  the  line  had  been  selected,  and  was  continued  with  great  dili- 
gence and  activity  throughout  that  day,  the  night  following,  and  the 
earh  pait  of  the  next  morning.  During  the  day,  there  were  occa- 
sional skirmishes  with  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who  had  followed  from 
Chancellorsville.  In  the  afternoon,  Colonel  Owens,  commanding  the 
third  regiment  Virginia  cavalry,  joined  me  with  his  regiment,  and 
threw  out  pickets  to  the  front,  and  upon  each  flank. 

A  little  before  sunrise  on  the  1st  of  May,  Major  General  McLaws, 
having  come  up  with  bis  division,  strengthened  the  force  immediately 
in  front,  and  secured  our  right  flank  by  occupying  the  trenches  along 
Motte  run.  At  8  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Lie  ten  ant  General  Jackson  arrived. 
By  Lis  orders,  the  work  on  the  trenches  was  discontinued,  and  the 
troops  were  put  in  readiness  for  an  advance.  Wilcox's  and  Terry's 
brigades  which  had  been  left  above  Fredericksburg,  being  at  the  same 
time  ordered  to  join  their  division.  The  advance  commenced  at 
C'6'/en  o'clock.  A.  M.  Mahone's  brigade,  with  Jordan's  battery  of 
Alexander's  battalion,  leading  the  movement,  on  the  old  turnpike, 
and  Wright's  and  Posey's  brigades,  with  the  other  batteries  of  Alex- 
ander's battalion  leading  on  the  plank  road.  Colonel  Owens'  regi- 
ment of  cavalry  was  employed  in  roconnoiteiing  these  roads,  and 
others  diverging  from  them.  When  the  troops  on  the  plank  road  had 
advanced  abeut  two  miles,  the  enemy  was  discovered  in  considerable 
force.  They  op-ned  on  us  with  artillery,  and  seemed  determined  to 
resist  our  further  progress.  Brigadier  General  Wright  was  directed 
to  follow,  with  his  brigade,  the  line  of  the  unfinished  Fredericksburg 
and  Gordonsville  railroad,  to  threaten  their  right,  and  to  compel  them 
to  fall  back.  This  was  executed  with  spirit  and  rapidity,  and  the 
enemy  fell  back  with  precipitation  before  our  advance,  which  was  re- 
sumed soon  afterwards.  General  Wright  continued  to  follow  the  line 
of  the  railroad  without  opposition  until  he  arrived  at  the  Catharine  or 
Wellford's  furnace,  where  he  had  a  sharp  encounter  with  a  superior 
force  of  the  enemy.  Darkness  put  a  stop  to  this  conflict  without  any 
decided  results  having  been  attained,  and  at  ten  o'clock,  at  night,  in 
obedience  to  orders  from  Lieutenant  General  Jackson,  he  returned  to 
the  plank  road,  along  which  Posey's  brigade  had,  in  the  meantime,  ad- 
vanced to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemy's  entrenchments  around 
Chancellorsviiie.  Mahone's  brigade,  in  like  manner,  fought  its  way 
along  the  old  turnpike  to  a  point  about  one  mile  from  Chancellors- 
ville. Wilcox's  and  Berry's  brigades,  in  comming  up  from  Freder- 
icksburg, had  been  directed  to  follow  tho  old  turnpike,  and  during 
the  afternoon  had  co-operated  with  McLaws'  division. 

A  little  before  daylight,  on   the  2d  of  May,  Wilcox's  brigade  was 


25 

ordered  to  resume  the  position  at  Banks'  ford,  from  ■which  it  had 
been  withdrawn. 

The  night  of  the  1st  and  morning  of  the  2d  of  Mr.y  passed  quickly. 
At  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Posey's  brigade  moved  a  little  to  the  rear  of 
the  line  of  battle,  having  been  relieved  by  that  of  Brigadier  General 
Thomas. 

When  Lieutenant  General  Jackson's  command  moved  against  the 
enemy's  right,  tho  position  immediately  on  the  left  of  the  plank  road, 
which  had  been  hold  by  a  part  of  his  troops,  was  taken  by  Wright's 
brigade.  At  mid-day.  the  enemy  appeared  in  some  force  at  ihc  fur- 
nace Posey's  brigade  was  sent  to  dislodge  him,  and  was  soon  en- 
gaged in  a  warm  skirmish  with  him.  The  increasing  numbers  of  the 
enemy  made  it  necessary  to  Aove  Wright's  brigade  to  the  support  of 
Posey's,  and  Mahone's  was  at  the  same  time  moved  over  from  the  old, 
turnpike  to  the  position  just  left  by  Wright's.  Posey's  brigade  gal- 
lantly maintained  its  position  against  great  odds,  and  checked  the 
further  advance  of  the  enemy.  Perry's  brigade  joined  me  at  dark. 
Daring  the  night.  Posey's  brigade  constructed  a  line  of  breastwotks. 

At  daylight,  on  the  3d,  Perry's  brigade  was  directed  to  gain  the 
Gatharpin  road,  and  move  toward*  the  furnace.  At  sunrise,  v. hen  it 
was  supposed  that  General  Perry  had  time  to  roach  the  vicinity  of 
the  furnace.  General  Posey's  skirmishers  were  pushed  forward  to- 
wards it,  and  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  retired. 

Soon  afterwards,  in  obedience  t'>  the  direciions  of  the  commanding 
general,  my  whole  force  was  advanced  tawards  Chacellorsville,  Ma- 
bone's  brigade  having  its  right  on  the  plank  road,  and  Wright's.  Po- 
se v' 3  and  Perry's,  successfully  forming  a  line-of-battlc  on  the  left  of, 
and  nearly  perpendicular  to.  that  portion  of  the  plank  road,  between 
us  and  ( .  hancellorsville.  The  troops  pressed  forward  with  spirited 
impetuosity,  and  with  as  much  rapidity  as  was  permitted  by  the  dense 
thickets  and  tangled  abattis  through  which  they  were  obliged  to  force 
their  way.  After  a  short  and  sharp  encounter,  they  drove  the  enemy 
from  his  entrenchments.  Wright's  brigade  was  the  first  to  reach 
Chancellorsville,  at  which  place  it  capture:!  a  large  number  of  pris- 
oner The  other  brigades  coming  up  immediately  afterwards,  the 
division  was  placed  in  line  along  the  old  turnpike  to  the  east  of  Chan- 
oeilorsville.  A  little  after  mid-day.  Mahone's  brigade  was  detached, 
by  order  of  the  commanding  General,  to  operate  with  McLaws'  division 
against  the  enemy,  who  were  then  reported  to  be  moving  from  Freder- 
icksburg up  the  plank  road.  At  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  I 
proceeded,  in  obedience  to  instructions,  with  Wright's,  Perry's  and 
Posey's  brigades,  to  the  river  road,  below  United  States  ford,  to 
watch  that  road  and  to  threaten  the  enemy's  communications  and  his 
line  of  retreat  from  Chancellorsville.  Major  Hardaway,  with  four- 
teen pieces  of  riile  artillery,  was  attached  to  my  command.  Upon 
arriving  at  the  river  road,  I  found  the  enemy  strongly  posted  on  Mine 
run,  and  when  I  had  completed  a  rcconnoissancc  of  his  position  it 
was  too  late  to  effect  anything  that  evening.  Captain  Johnston  of 
the  engineer  crops,  who  accompanied  me,  having  discovered  large 
parks  of  the  enemy's  wagons  and  the  camps  of  some  of  his  troops  on 


26 

the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  Major  Hardaway  was  directed  to  post 
his  cuns  at  daybreak,  on  the  4th,  at  a  point  indicated  by  Captain 
Johnston,  and  to  open  a  hot  fire  upon  the  parks  and  camps.  This  was 
executed  as  directed,  and,  I  believe,  with  good  effect.  Soon  afterwards 
our  skirmishers  were  pushed  forward,  with  orders  to  drive  back  those 
of  the  enemy  and  to  discover  his  position  and  strength.  This  was 
accomplished  without  delay,  the  enemy  being  found  in  force,  fortify- 
ing a  high  ridge  between  Mine  run  and  the  road  connecting  United 
States  ford  and  Chancellorsville.  Just  at  this  time,  I  received  orders 
to  march  with  my  division  towards  Fredericksburg,  and  report  to 
Major  General  McLaws,  at  Salem  church,  on  the  plank  road,,  being 
relieved  from  duty  at  this  point  by  General  Heth's  command.  I 
arrived  at  Salem  church  with  my  commftnd  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M., 
and  reported,  as  directed,  to  Major  General  McLaws.  At  twelve 
o'clock, M.,  in  obedience  to  the  directions  of  the  commanding  General, 
my  division  was  placed  in  line-of-battle  on  the  left  of  Major  General 
Early's,  which  was  occupying  Marye's  Hill  and  the  heights  extending 
west  from  Fredericksburg.  The  general  direction  of  the  enemy's  lino 
was  parellel  with  the  plank  road.  At  six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  signal 
to  advance  being  given,  Early's  division  and  my  own  marched  rapidly 
upon  the  enemy's  position  and  drove  him  from  it  without  much 
trouble,  meeting  with  bat  slight  resistance.  Wright's  brigade  ad- 
vanced with  great  intrepidity  across  a  wheat  field,  under  a  hot  fire 
of  grape,  and  drove  one  of  the  enemy's  batteries  from  its  position. 
The  enemy  retreated  towards  E;ijik*s  ford,  and  was  followed  closely 
a3  long  as  there  was  light  enough  to  continue  the  pursuit.  At  day- 
light, on  the  5th,  reconnoitering  parties  discovered  that  he  had  dis- 
appeared from  our  side  of  the  river.  At  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received 
orders  to  return  with  my  command  to  the  vicinity  of  Chancellorsville, 
and  at  dark  I  halted  the  head  of  the  column  one  mile  from  that  place  ; 
Wilcox's  and  Wright's  brigades  lying  in  bivouac  on  the  Catharine 
road,  Mahone's,  Perry's  and  Posey's  on  the  plank  road.  At  eight 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  6th,  the  division  was  moved  forward  to  a  posi- 
tion at  the  junction  of  the  Ely's  Ford  and  United  States  Ford  roads. 
At  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  the  command- 
ing general,  I  marched  towards  Fredericksburg,  and  in  the  afternoon 
returned  to  the  position  which  had  been  occupied  by  the  division, 
previous  to  these  operations.  Wilcox's  and  Mahone's  brigades,  after 
being  detached  from  my  command,  participated  in  the  fight  at  Salem 
Church.  I  cannot  too  highly  commend  the  gallant  conduct  of  the 
division  which  I  had  the  honor  and  good  fortune  to  command.  Where 
all  performed  their  duty  with  so  much  zeal  and  courage,  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  make  a  distinction,  but  P>rigadier  General  Posey  and  his 
brave,  untiring,  persevering  Mississippians,  seem  to  me  to  deserve 
especial  notice.  Their  steadiness  at  the  furnace,  on  Saturday  evening, 
when  pressed  by  greatly  superior  numbers,  saved  our  army  from  great 
peril,  whilst  their  chivalrous  charge  upon  the  trenches  on  Sunday, 
contributed  largely  to  the  successes  of  that  day.  After  three  days 
and  nights  of  incessant  occupation,  Saturday  night  was  again  passed 
by  them,  in  hard  work  upon  entrenchments  in  front  of  the  furnace 


27 

whilst  the  others  had  an  opportunity  to  take  some  rest.  But  it  would 
be  doing  injustice  to  Brigadier  General  Wilcox,  to  pass  unnoticed, 
his  own  gallant  conduct,  and  that  of  his  troops,  at  Salem  church, 
where  they  bore  almost  the  whole  brunt  of  the  enemy's  onset,  and 
successfully  repelled  it.  To  Brigadier  General  Mahone,  to  omit  to 
mention  his  bold,  skilled  and  successful  management,  so  well  seconded 
by  his  brave  Virginians;  to  Brigadier  General  Wright  and  his  high- 
spirited,  fearless  Georgians,  whose  attack  at  the  furnace,  on  the 
evening  of  the  1st,  and  whose  unflinching  advance  against  the  enemy's 
guns,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  grape,  on  the  evening  of  the  -1th,  excited 
the  admiration  of  all  who  saw  them  ;  and  to  Brigadier  General  Perry 
and  his  heroic  little  band  of  Floridians,  who  showed  a  courage  as  in- 
trepid as  that  of  any  others,  in  their  assault  upon  the  enemy,  in  his 
entrenchments,  on  the  3rd,  and  in  their  subsequent  advance  upon 
Chancellorsville.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Garnett  and  Major  Ilardaway 
and  Richardson,  commanders  of  artillery,  distinguished  themselves 
by  their  activity,  skill  and  courage.  I  beg  leave,  also,  to  mention 
the  meritorious  services  and  general- good  conduct  of  the  members  of 
my  staff,  Majors  T.  S.  Mills  and  R.  P.  Duncan,  Assistant  Adjutant 
and  Inspector  Generals,  Lieutenants  Wm.  McWillie  and  S.  D.  Shan- 
non, aids-de-camp,  and  Messrs.  R.  D.  Spaun,  James  G.  Spaun  «nd 
E.  J.  Means,  volunteer  aids-de-camp.  Captain  E.  N.  Thurston,  ord- 
nance officer,  Surgeons  G.  McF.  Gaston  and  II.  D  Feasee,  Major  J. 
A.  Johnston,  Chief  Quartermaster,  and  Major  Wm.  C.  Wingtield, 
Chief  Commissary  of  the  division,-rendered  valuable  services  by  their 
careful  and  unremitting  attention  to  their  duties.  The  reports  of  the 
brigade  and  artillery  battalion  commanders,  are  herewith  respectfully 
submitted.  The  loss  of  the  division  in  these  operations  was,  killed 
186,  wounded  1,049,  missing  210,  total  1,445. 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient  servant. 

R.  H.  ANDERSON, 
Major  General,  commanding  Division. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  McLA-Wri. 

Headquarters  Division,  May  10,   1863. 

Major  Taylor,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  On  the  1st  of  May,  instant,  at  twelve  and  a  half  o'clock  at 
night,  the  brigades  of  Generals  Kershaw,  Semmes  and  Wofford  were 
put  in  march  up  the  plank  road  by  order  from  your  headquarters — 
the  brigade  of  General  Barksdale  remaining  in  Fredericksburg  and 
vicinity — and  by  six  o'clock  in  the  morning  were  in  position  behind 
the  rifle  pits  about  Smith's  hill  and  extending  to  the  right  and  left, 
joining  General  Anderson's  command  on  the  left,  to  defend  the 
approaches  from  the  United  States  ford  and  from  the  direction  of 
Chancellorsville.  About  eleven,  A.  M.,  General  Jackson,  who  had 
arrived  with  his  forces  and  assumed  command,  directed  me  to  advance 
along  the  turnpike  road,  having  Mahone's  brigade,  of  Anderson's 
division,  in  advance.  I  collected  my  own  division  as  rapidly  as  pos- 
sible from  the  rifle  pits,  each  brigade,  as  it  was  relieved,  falling  in  rear 
of  *he  others  as  they  advanced  in  the  march.  After  proceeding  but  a 
short  distance,  the  skirmishers  became  engaged.  The  main  column  ad- 
vancing slowly,  until  the  enemy  appearing  in  force,  it  was  deployed, 
the  line  of  battle  formed  across  the  turnpike  road — Semmes'  brigade  on 
the  left,  and  those  of  Mahone,  Wofford  and  Perry,  of  Anderson's  divis- 
ion, in  the  order  here  named,  to  the  right,  extending  so  as  to  cover  the 
mine  road  ;  Jordon's  battery  on  the  mine  turnpike.  Our  skirmishers 
were  driven  in.  Fire  was  opened  on  our  lines  from  a  battery  four  or 
five  hundred  yards  in  front  and,  after  skirmishing  to  the  right  and  left, 
the  main  assiult  was  made  on  the  left  against  Semmes  by  Sykes' 
regulars,  but  they  were  repulsed  at  every  attempt.  Before  the  first 
assault,  I  sent  to  General  Jackson,  by  my  aid-de-camp,  that  the 
enemy  were  in  force  in  my  immediate  front  and  were  advancing,  and 
that  a  larger  force  could  be  seen  along  the  heights  about  one  mile  or 
more  to  the  rear,  and  that  the  country  was  favorable  for  a  flank  attack 
from  his  side.  After  the  first  assault,  1  received  answer  from  General 
Jackson  to  hold  my  position  and  that  he  would  advance  or  was  advanc- 
ing his  artillery,  and  if  that  did  not  answer  he  would  endeavor  to 
gain  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  General  Kershaw  coming  up,  his  brig- 
ade was  placed  in  support  of  General  Semmes,  extending  beyond  his 
left.  The  cavalry  reporting  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  along  the 
Mine  road,  General  Wilcox's  brigade  was  ordered  and  took  position — 
guided  by  Captain  Johnson,  of  General  Lee's  staff — to  protect  my 
right,  taking  artillery  with  him.  General  Jackson's  artillery  and  his 
advance,  in  conjunction  with  the  failure  of  the  attack  on  my  front, 
forced  the  enemy  to  retire,  when,  by  General  Jackson's  order,  my 
whole  line  advanced  in  the  same  order  as  they  had  been  displayed,  as 
above  stated.  The  order  to  advance  was  received  at  four,  P.  M. 
My  line  halted  at  dark  and  bivouacked  along  the  heights  just  beyond 
the  point  where  Mine  run  crosses  the  turnpike.     The  next  morning, 


29 

the  2nd,  my  line  of  battle  was  reformed  along  the  heights,  in  the 
same  order  as  before,  excepting  that  General  Wilcox  had-  been 
ordered,  during  the  night  previous,  to  return  to  Banks'  ford  and  hold 
that  position,  it  having  been  reported  that  the  enemy  were  moving 
down  the  river  road  and,  besides,  were  making  demonstrations  to 
cross  the  river  at  that  ford.  "Two  batteries  W  ore  placed  on  the  heights 
between  General  Semmes  and  Wofford.  A  strong  line  of  skirmishers 
was  advanced  and  wei*e  constantly  engaged  with  those  of  the  enemy. 
General  Kershaw's  brigade  was  held  in  reserve.  I  received  orders 
from  General  Lee  to  hold  my  position,  as  General  Jackson  would  ope- 
rate to  the  It  ft  and  rear.  Not  long  after,  I  was  directed  to  replace 
General  Posey's  brigade  on  my  left  by  one  from  my  command,  and 
General  Kershaw  moved  to  that  position,  on  the  left  of  General 
Semmes.  Following  this  order,  I  was  directed  to  send  the  brigades 
of  Generals  Mahcne  and  Perry  to  the  left  and  close  in  my  command 
60  as  to  connecc  with  General  Anderson's  right — holding  my  right  at 
the  turnpike,  but  constantly  pressing  to  the  left,  so  as  to  be  in  com- 
munication with  General  Anderson — to  do  which,  as  the  country  was 
broken  and  densely  wooded,  and  the  directions  constantly  changing,  I 
ordered  the  two  brigades  on  the  left,  Kershaw  and  Semmes',  to  ad- 
vance by  battalion  from  the  left,  so  as  to  form  a  broken  line,  but  still 
covering  the  front  and  forming  the  connection.  The  batteries  openel 
whenever  the  masses  of  the  enemy  on  the  hills  in  my  front  offered  an 
opportunity,  and  with  marked  results.  My  orders  were  to  hold  my 
position,  not  to  engage  seriously,  but  to  press  strongly  so  soon  as  it 
was  discovered  that  General  Jackson  had  attacked.  It  was  not  until 
late  in  the  evening  that  it  was  known  General  Jackson  had  com- 
mence! his  assault,  when  I  ordered  an  advance  along  the  whole  line 
to  engage  with  the  skirmishers,  which  were  largely  reinforced,  and 
to  threaten  but  not  attack  seriously,  in  doing  which  General  Woflord 
became  so  seriously  engaged  that  I  directed  him  to  withdraw,  which 
was  done  in  good  order,  his  men  in  good  spirits,  after  driving  the 
enemy  to  their  entrenchments. 

As  General  Jackson  advanced,  the  enemy  moved  in  front  of 
two  batteries  on  my  line,  which  opened  on  them  with  excellent  ef- 
fect. This  continued  until  darkness  prevented  any  further  efforts  in 
my  front. 

Generals  Kershaw  and  Semmes  had  been  pressing  to  the  left  and 
front,  and  engaging  t!he  enemy  with  their  skirmishers,  which  had  left 
an  open  space,  so  far  as  the  main  body  was  .concerned,  between  my 
right  and  centre,  of  considerable  distance,  but  the  skirmishers  of 
General  Semmes,  composed  of  the  entire  tenth  Georgia  regiment, 
were  perfectly  reliable,  and  kept  the  enemy  to  thou*  entrenchments, 
so  there  was  nothing  to  be  apprehended  from  an  advance  in  this  di- 
rection. 

May  3d — Nothing  occurred  during  the  night  sivc  the  magnificent 
display  caused  by  the  night  attack  of  General  Jackson.  My  skir- 
mishers, wTell  to  the  front,  and  strong  in  number,  engaged  the  enemy 
as  day  advanced.  The  batteries  were  run  forward,  and  played  upon  the. 
masses  of  the  enemy,  in  good  range,  producing  much  confusion ; 
finally,  the  repeated  attacks  of  the  forces  on  my  left  forced  the  enemy 


30 

to  give  way  from  Chancellorsville,  and  our  troops  could  be  seen  ad- 
vancing across  the  plain.  General  Wofford  threw  a  portion  of  his 
command  across  the  valley  between  him  and  the  Chancellorsville 
heights,  and  thus  prevented  the  escape  of  a  considerable  body  of  the 
enemy  which  had  been  opposed  to  this  brigade,  and  to  his  left  and 
front  during  the  morning.  I  directed  a  flag  of  truce  to  be  sent  them, 
and  they  surrendered.  I  think  General  Wofford  entitled  to  the  most 
credit  for  their  capture,  although  the  tenth  Georgia,  General  Semrnes 
and  General  Wright  of  Anderson's  division,  claimed  their  share 
equally.  Kershaw  and  Semmes  bearing  to  the  left  to  co-operate  with 
General  Anderson,  to  unite  with  the  two  wings  of  the  army,  had 
now  swept  around  to  the  plains  of  Chancellorsville,  and  directed  them 
to  march  down  the  plank  road  and  unite  with  General  Wofford's  left. 
As  this  was  in  the  act  of  accomplishment,  information  was  received 
that  the  enemy  had  carried  the  heights  about  Fredericksburg,  and 
were  advancing  up  the  plank  road.  General  Lee  here  rode  up  and 
ordered  that  the  brigades  of  Generals  Mahone  and  Kershaw  should 
march  at  once  towards  Fredericksburg,  with  Moody's  battery,  to  meet 
the  enemy;  and  after  these  brigades  were  on  the  march,  and  had  ad- 
vanced some  distance,  he  directed  me  to  proceed  in  the  same  direc- 
tion with  the  remainder  of  my  division,  which  was  done  so  soon  as 
the  brigades  could  be  formed.  On  reaching  the  rifle-pits,  just  be- 
vond  the  junction  of  the  turnpike  and  mine  roads,  I  found  General 
Mahone's  brigade  along  the  rifle-pits,  General  Kershaw  halted  along 
the  road,  General  Wilcox's  brigade  was  marching  to  the  front.  I  or- 
dered them  all  forward,  but  as  I  was  here  informed  that  the  enemy 
were  in  considerable  force  going  down  the  telegraph  road,  and  as  I 
thought  that  it  was  perhaps  their  intention  to  march  forward  by  the 
plank  and  mine  roads,  which  came  together  just  beyond  the  junction 
of  the  plank  and  turnpike  roads,  now  in  my  rear,  I  halted  General 
Wofford  with  directions  to  watch  the  mine  road  on  his  right.  I  then 
rode  on,  and  found  General  Wilcox  with  his  brigade  in  line  across  the 
plank  road  at  Salem  church,  General  Kershaw  forming  on  his  right> 
and  General  Mahone  on  the  left.  I  directed  General  Mahone  still 
more  to  his  left,  as  he  was  acquainted  with  the  country,  and  placed 
General  Semmes  to  the  immediate  left  of  General  Wilcox.  General 
Wofford  was  ordered  forward  and  placed  on  the  right  of  General  Ker- 
shaw. The  batteries  which  I  had  brought  with  me  had  been  engaged 
all  the  morning,  and  had  but  little  ammunition  lefcT  They  had  been  or- 
dered back  in  such  haste  that  there  was  no  time  for  them  to  replenish 
their  chests,  but  they  engaged  the  enemy  until  their  supplies  were  nearly 
exhausted,  and  then  withdrew,  and  were  posted  in  the  rear  to  com- 
mand the  ground  on  the  flanks  and  front.  The  batteries  of  the  enemy 
were  admirably  served,  and  played  over  the  whole  ground.  Before 
my  command  was  well  in  position,  the  enemy  advanced,  driving  in 
our  skirmishers,  and  coming  forward  with  loud  shouts,  endeavored  to 
force  the  centre,  (Wilcox's)  and  the  lefc  centre,  (General  Semmes',) 
extending  the  attack  somewhat  to  Mahone's  brigade.  One  of  Wil- 
cox's regiment's  gave  way,  and,  with  the  skirmishers  running,  had 
created  a  little  confusion  ;  but  General  Wilcox  himself  soon  corrected 


31 

this,  and  reforming  his  men,  charged  the  enemy,  in  conjunction  with  two 
regiments  of  Semmes'  brigade,  led  by  General  Semmes,  and  drove  them 
back  for  a  considerable  distance.  I  now  strengthened  the  left  of  Ma- 
hone's,  which  was  strongly  threatened,  with  two  regiments  from  Wof- 
ford's  brigade,  (on  the  right)  and  closed  General  Kershaw  to  the  left, 
strengthening  the  centre,  supposing  that  the  attack  would  be  renewed, 
but  no  other  assault  was  attempted,  and,  as  night  drew  on,  the  firing 
ceased  on  both  sides,  and  my  command  bivouacked  in  line  of  battle. 
In  this  engagement,  three  or  four  hundred  -were  taken  and  about 
the  same  number  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  buried.  Just  previous 
to  the  assault,  I  sent  my  inspecting  officer,  M;ijor  Costin,  to  try  and 
communicate  with  General  Early,  and  to  bring  back  information  as  to 
his  position  and  designs,  and  the  whereabouts  of  the  enemy  in  that 
direction.  A  courier  late  in  the  night  brought  me  a  note  from  Gen. 
Early,  informing  me  that  he  would  concentrate  his  forces  in  tho 
morning  and  drive  the  enemy  from  the  heights,  Marye's  hill  included. 
I  sent  his  note  to  General  Lee,  who,  approving  it,  I  forwarded  it  to 
General  Early,  who,  on  the  next  morning  carried  the  heights-  with  but 
little  opposition.  After  this,  General  Early  sent  me  word  by  his  staff 
again,  that  if  I  would  attack  in  front,  he  would  advance  two  brigades 
and  strike  at  the  flank  and  rear  of  the  enemy.  I  agreed  to  advance, 
provided  he  would  first  attack,  and  did  advance  my  right — Kershaw 
and  Wofford — t^pperate  with  him — but  finding  my  force  was  insuffi- 
cient for  a  frcnt  attack,  I  withdrew  to  my  line  of  the  evening  pre-" 
vious,  General  Early  not  attacking  as  I  could  hear.  In  the  mean- 
while I  had  informed  General  Lee  of  the  plan  proposed  and  asking  for 
an  additional  force.  I  was  informed,  in  reply,  that  the  remainder  of 
General  Anderson's  division  had  been  ordered  forward.  I  then  directed 
that  no  attack  should  be  made  until  General  Anderson  arrived. 
General  Lee  came  in  person  to  superintend  the  movement,  arriving 
about  the  tame  time  with  General  Anderson's  head  of  column. 
General  Anderson  was  ordered  to  the  right  with  his  three  brigades. 
My  understanding  was  that  the  troops  of  ray  own  division  and  tho 
brigades  of  Wilcox  and  Mahone  were  to  continue  in  line,  facing  tho 
enemy,  and  those  of  General  Early  and  three  brigades  of  General 
Anderson  were  to  attack  their  right  and  rear.  Orders  were  given 
that  my  troops  on  the  right — Kershaw  and  Wofford — should  advance 
after  it  was  known  that  the  attack  on  the  right  had  commenced,  which 
would  be  indicated  by  the  firing  in  that  direction.  I  was  on  the  right 
of  ray  line,  straightening  it  and  extending  to  the  right  when  notice 
was  given  that  the  attack  would  shortly  be  made  by  Generals  Early 
and  Anderson,  and  that  Colonel  Alexander,  who  had  established  a 
strong  battery,  on  a  prominent  hill,  which  commanded  one  of  nearly 
equal  force  on  the  other  side,  which  would  take  my  line  in  reverse, 
and,  in  a  measure,  enfilade  it,  should  open  fire.  The  orders  were 
given  at  once.  Alexander  opened  his  batteries  and  Generals  Kershaw 
and  Wofford  advanced  to  the  front  through  a  dense  woods.  Distant 
firing  in  the  direction  of  Fredericksburg  was  heard,  indicating  that 
the  attack  had.  commenced  on  the  extreme  right.  Night  now  carao 
rapidly  on  aDd  nothing  could  be  observed  of  our  operations.     It  being 


S3 

reported  to  me,  from  Mah one's  position,  that  the  noise  of  crossing  on 
the  pontoon  bridge  at  Banks'  ford  could  be  heard,  I  sent  to  Colonel 
Alexander,  requesting  him  to  throw  shells  so  as  to  drop  them  as  near 
as  possible  about  the  crossing,  which  was  promptly  done.  Shortly 
afterwards,  General  Kershaw's  arrival  on  the  plank  road  was  reported 
to  me,  and  I  requested  General  Wilcox  to  assume  the  direction  of  it, 
and  with  such  a  portion  of  his  own  brigade  as  he  thought  necessary, 
proceed  down  the  Banks'  ford  road,  taking  a  battery  with  him,  to 
press  the  enemy,  seize  the  redoubts  suitable  for  shelling  the  crossing, 
and  open  fire  with  the  batteries,  all  of  which  was  done  in  the  most 
prompt  manner,  General  Wilcox  being  acquainted  with  the  localities, 
of  which  I  knew  nothing  except  by  report. 

I  was  as  yet  ignorant  whether  or  not  the  attack  upon  the  right  had 
been  a  success,  but  the  noise  of  their  passage  over  the  pontoon 
bridges,  convincing  me  that  the  enemy  were  in  full  retreat,  I  thought  it 
best  to  press  on  in  pursuit.  After  these  orders  had  been  given  and 
were  in  execution,  I  received  a  communication  from  General  Lea, 
dated  ten,  P.  M.,  from  Downman's  house,  informing  me  of  the  success 
of  the  attack  on  the  right  and  hirs  desire  that  the  enemv  should  be 
pushed  over  the  river  that,  night.  Wofford's  brigade  advanced  as  far 
as  the  river  road,  engaging  the  enemy  as  he  went,  arid  driving  them 
before  him,  and  halted  for  the  night  beyond  the  river  road,  extend- 
ing his  pickets.  Wilcox  and  Kershaw  pushed,  on  driping  the  enemy 
before  them,  and  occupied  the  redoubts  commanding  The  ford  and  its 
approaches,  and  opened  fire  with  artillery  in  that  direction.  As  my 
troops  advanced,  I  sent  to  Colonel  Alexander,  requesting  him  to  fire 
on  the  approaches  from  the  other  side  only,  as  I  did  not  wish  to  risk 
his  shells  dropping  among  our  troops  ;  he  did  as  requested,  and  the 
fire  from  all  the  batteries  is  reported  by  citizens  about  the  ford,  as 
producing  great  confusion  and  as  being  very  destructive.  The  enemy 
throwing  away  their  arms  and  breaking  ranks,  fled  across  the  river 
in  the  greatest  disorder.  As  evidence  of  which,  the  accompanying 
report  of  ordnance  and  ordnance  stores  picked  up  by  my  own  divis- 
ion, on  this  side  of  Salem  church,  shows  how  complete  must  have 
been  the  demoralization.  The  darkness  of  the  night,  ignorance  of  the 
country,  and  of  the  evente  transpiring  on  the  other  end  of  the  line, 
prevented  that  co-operation  which  would  have  led  to  a  more  complete 
success,  but  I  believe  that  all  was  gained  that  could  have  been 
expected  under  the  circumstances.  The  enemy  had  several  batteries — 
sixteen  guns — in  front  of  the  left  of  my  line,  sweeping  every  approach 
from  my  left.  I  am  not  informed  when  they  were  withdrawn,  but  I 
suppose  they  were  immediately  after  dark.  By  the  next  morning  the 
enemy  had  retired  from  this  side  of  the  river,  and  my  command  was 
employed  in  burying  the  dead,  attending  to  the  wounded,  and  collect- 
ing arms  and  accoutrements.  I  received  orders  during  the  morning 
to  assemble  my  division,  send  General  Anderson's  brigades  to  rejoin 
him,  and  to  send  an  intelligent  officer  to  the  position  of  General  Heth, 
at  or  near  the  junction  of  the  river  and  mine  roads,  to  inform  himself 
of  the  points  to  be  occupied,  and  if  General  Heth  had  left,  to  replace 
him  by  the  brigades  of  General  Mahone  and  another  of  my  own.   But 


33 

afterwards,  in  conversation  with  General  Lee,  he  directed  me  to  more 
one  of  my  brigades  (General  Kershaw)  to  relieve  General  Heth.  The 
brigade  was  already  in  motion,  and  I  joined  with  it  and  went  to  Geo. 
Heth's  position.  The  march  was  not  delayed  for  a  moment,  as  the 
brigade  did  not  halt  even  once,  and  it  arrived  at  its  destination  before 
the  storm.  General  Heth's  main  command  was  posted  in  rear  of  the 
rifle  pits,  which  had  been  constructed,  two  or  three  hundred  yards  ca 
the  plank  road  side  of  the  junction  of  the  river  and  mine  roads,  wi& 
smaller  bodies  more  to  the  front.  His  men  and  officers  had  theSr 
shelter  and  other  tents  pitched,  and  there  were  no  indications  of 
his  moving  on  my  arrival.  I  think  he  received  orders  after  my 
arrival,  to  move  when  I  arrived.  General  Kershaw  had  relieved  hia* 
and  was  in  position  before  the  .storm  commenced.  General  Heth 
informed  me  that  the  strength  of  the  three  brigades  under  his  com- 
mand was  about  nineteen  hundred  aggregate,  which  was  not  so  nume- 
rous as  the  single  brigade  of  General  Kershaw.  Colonel  Wickham 
offered  his  services  to  point  out  the  different  crossings  on  the  river, 
and  I  rode  down  the  river  road  with  him.  A  terrible  storm  of  wiri 
and  rain  delayed  my  return  to  my  headquarters  until  between  eight 
and  nine  o'clock  at  night,  when  I  learned  that  General  Semmes  hz.$ 
been  ordered  to  join  General  Kershaw.  The  next  morning  early  I 
rode  to  the  position  of  Generals  Kershaw  and  Semmes,  and,  advancing 
the  skirmishers  and  scouts,  discovered  that  the  enemy  had  gone  over 
the  river.  Shortly  after,  I  received  orders  to  retire  to  my  former 
position  in  front  of  Fredericksburg,  leaving  a  brigade  (WofFord's)  at 
Banks'  ford. 

The  number  of  killed,  wounded,  and  missing  in  my  division,  arc ! 

besides  14  officero. 


Kershaw, 

104  of  which  2  are  missing. 

Barksdale, 

592  of  which  327  are  missing. 

Semmes, 

603  of  which  26  are  missing. 

Wofford, 

562  of  which  9  are  missing. 

Artillery, 

28  of  which  2  are  missing. 

1,889 
My  inspector  general  reports  over  twelve  hundred  prisoners  taktn . 
Very  respectfully, 

L.  McLAWS,  Major  Gmtrai, 

9 

3 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  EARLY. 

Headquarters  Early's  Division, 
May  7,  1863. 

Major  W,  H.  Taylor, 

A.  A.  G.tAr-my  Northern  Virginia  : 

Major  r  About  daylight  on  the  29th  ultimo,  the  enemy  crossed  at 
the  xtouth  of  Deep  run,  and  later  near  Pratt's  house,  below.  On 
tsceiving  information  of  the  first  movement,  I  immediately  moved 
tnj  division  into  line  on  the  railroad,  the  right  resting  at  Hamilton's 
Crossing,  and  the  left  at  Deep  run,  and  occupied  the  river  road  in 
/rent  with  three  regiments,  and  thus  kept  the  enemy  from  advancing 
to  that  road.  The  residue  of  the  troops  having,  in  the  meantime,  been 
fcrought  up,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  30th,  I  received  instructions  from 
Lieutenant  General  Jackson  to  remain  behind  with  my  division,  and 
one  of  McLaws'  brigades,  (Barksdale's.)  to  observe  the  enemy,  while 
the  residue  of  the  troops  were  removed  to  the  left.  General  Pendle- 
ton, with  a  portion  of  his  reserve  artillery,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Andrews,  with  his  battalion  of  artillery,  was  also  left  behind.  My 
division  and  Andrews'  artillery  occupied  the  lines  on  the  right,  and 
Barksdale's  brigade  and  Pendleton's  artillery  occupied  Fredericksburg, 
id  the  rear. 

About  eleven  o'clock,  on  the  2d  instant,  instructions  were  received 
from  General  Lee,  through  General  Chilton,  to  leave  a  brigade  behind 
He  a  guard,  and  move  with  the  residue  up  to  Chancellorsville  ;  and  as 
soon  as  I  could  get  ready,  I  commenced  the  movement,  leaving  behind 
Hays'  brigade  and  one  of  Barksdale's  regiments.  A  portion  of  Gen- 
eral Pendleton's  artillery,  under  like  instructions,  was  sent  to  the 
tear.  After  I  had  commenced  the  movements,  and  had  reached  the 
|>l?,nk  road,  and  moved  the  head  of  the  column  up  it  about  a  mile,  in- 
formation was  received  from  the  rear  of  such  character  as  to  cause 
cae  to  turn  back  and  occupy  the  former  line  as  before. 

About  light,  on  next  morning,  (Monday,  the  3d,)  I  received  informa- 
tion from  General  Barksdale  that  the  enemy  had  thrown  a  bridge 
across  at  Fredericksburg  ;  and  I  immediately  sent  Hays'  brigade  from 
the  right  to  his  support.  In  a  short  time  the  enemy  commenced 
making  demonstrations  from  the  mouth  of  Deep  run  and  Fredericks- 
burg. All  his  efforts  to  attack  the  left  of  my  line  were  thwarted,  and 
one  attack  on  Marye's  hill  was  repulsed.  The  enemy,  however,  sent 
a  flag  of  truce  to  Colonel  Griffin,  oLthe  eighteenth  Mississippi  regi- 
ment, who  occupied  the  works  at  the  foot  of  Marye's  hill  with  his 
own  and  the  twenty-first  Mississippi  regiment,  which  was  received  by 
him  imperfectly,  and  it  had  barely  returned  before  heavy  columns 
were  advanced  against  the  position,  and  the  trenches  were  carried, 
and  the  hill  taken — a  large  portion  of  the  eighteenth  Mississippi 
regiment  and  a  part  of  the  twenty-firsp  being  taken  prisoners,  and  a 
company  of  the  Washington  artillery,  with  its  guns,  were  captured. 


After  this,  the  artillery  on  Lee's  hill,  and  the  rest  of  Barksdale's  in- 
fantry, with  one  of  Hays'  regiments,  fell  back  on  the  telegraph  roa  1. 
Hays,  with  the  remainder,  being  compelled  to  fall  back  up  the  plank 
road,  as  he  was  on  the  lefy.  Having  received  information,  I  hastened 
op,  and  succeeded  in  halting  the  artillery  and  infantry,  and  checked 
the  advance  of  the  enemy,  and  had  the  brigades  on  the  right  thrown 
back  into  the  second  line;  and  upon  the  arrival  of  Hays'  brig  de, 
which  came  around  from  the  plank  road,  and  three  regiments  of  Gor- 
don's, which  had  been  sent  for  as  soon  as  I  heard  of  the  disaster,  a 
line  was  formed  across  the  telegraph  road,  at  Cox's  house,  about  two 
miles  back  of  L^e's  hill.  Having  received  information,  Jate  in  the 
day,  that  McLaws  was  moving  down,  and  that  the  enemy,  who  had 
passed  heavy  columns  up  the  plank  road,  through  Fredericksburg, 
was  to  be  attacked  by  his  forces  and  mine  in  connection,  I  concen- 
trated all  my  force  at  Ccx's  house,  which  was  not  accomplished  until 
after  night,  having  previously  informed  General  McLawsofray  inten- 
tion to  attack  Marye's  hill  next  morning,  on  the  right  and  a  Ivance, 
extending  my  left  so  as  to  close  in  on  him.  Early  next  morning,  I 
threw  Hoke's  and  Hays'  brigade  across  Hazle  run,  to  move  down  to- 
wards the  right,  and  advance  Gordon's  brigade  towards  Marye's  and 
Lee's  hills,  followed  by  Smith's  and  Barksdale's  brigades.  Gordon 
succeeded  in  capturing  Marye's  hill  with  ease,  aided  by  Colonel  An- 
drews' artillery,  and  Bark-dale's  brigade  was  thrown  into  the  trenches 
in  front  of  the  hill,  and  Smith's  brigade  moved  across  Hazle  run,  md 
a  line  formed  facing  up  the  plank  road,  on  the  plain  between  M  ane's 
hill  and  the  heights,  on  the  plank  road,  and  at  Taylor's  house.  I 
then  waited  to, hear  from  McLaws;  but  hearing  no  sound  of  an  engage- 
ment in  that  direction,  I  felt  the  enemy  with  Smith's  brigade,  and 
finding  that  he  had  artillery  on  the  heights,  in  front  of  my  right,  I 
ordered  the  brigade  to  retire,  and  sent  to  General  McLaws,  requesting 
bim  to  I  urn.  In  return,  I  received  in&rmatjoa  that  Anderson's 
division  was  moving  down,  and  that  an  attack  was  to  be  made  at  a 
signal.  Subsequently  I  was  sent  for  by  General  Lee,  and  having  re- 
ceived his  instructions,  at  the  signal  agreed  on,  Hays',  Hoke'.s  and 
Gordon's  brigades,  which  had  been  placed  in  position,  were  advanced 
against  the  enemy.  Hays  advancing  in  the  centre,  from  the  foot  of 
the  hill  opposite  the  mill  and  Hazle  run  ;  Hoke  on  the  left,  advancing 
across  the  hill  on  which  Downman'a  hous%  is  situated,  and  bol  >w  it, 
and  Gordon  on  the  right,  up  the  hills  on  the  north  of  the  pi  ink  roa  I, 
driving  the  enemy  before  them.  This  movement  was  commenced 
very  late,  and  Hiys'  and  Hok  >'s  brig  vies  were  thrown  into  sotne  con  fu- 
sion by  coming  in  contact  after  they  crossed  the  plank  road,  below 
Guest's  house;  and  it  becoming  difficult  to  distinguish  oar  troops 
from  those  of  the  eherav,  on  account  of  the  growing  darkness,  turfy 
had,  therefore,  to  fall  b  •1-  to  r  >f  irm,  which  wis  dona  on  the  pi  tin 
below  Guest's  hous        '  i's  brigade  got  iu  the  rearOf  the'ene 

right  Mink,  near  Taylor's  house,  and  to  -k  its  position  there       IJrks 
dale's  brigade   had    been  left  at  Miry**  Kill,  an  i  Smith's  in  p> 
on  the  left  of  it,  to  strengthen  Birksdalc  or  reinforce  the  others,  as 
occasion   might   require,  an  1    two  regiments  were  ordered   up   while 


36 

Hays  and  Hoke's  were  being  reformed.  After  seeing  General  Lee  at 
night,  Hoke's  brigade  was  placed  in  line  on  the  left  of  Gordon,  and 
Hays  was  ordered  to  take  position  in  the  entrenchments,  on  the  right 
of  Marye's  hill,  and  Smith's  regiments  sent  back  to  join  the  residue  of 
the  brigade,  on  the  left  of  that  hill.  • 

The  loss  in  my  division  during  all  the  time,  from  the  crossing,  was 
one  hundred  and  thirty-six  killed,  eight  hundred  and  thirty-eight 
wounded,  and  some  five  hundred  are  reported  missing,  the  greater 
part  of  whom  are,  in  all  probability,  stragglers.  This  does  not  in- 
clude the  loss  in  Barksdale's  brigade  and  the  artillery. 
Very  respectfully, 

J.  A.  EARLY,  Major  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  STUART  OF  CAVALRY'  OPERA- 
TIONS. 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Division,  A.  N.  V.,  ) 

May  8,  1863.      } 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  and  I.   General  Army  N.   Virginia  : 

General  :  In  anticipation  of  the  detailed  reports,  I  have  the  honor 
to  submit  the  following  sketch  of  the  operation  of  the  cavalry  imme- 
diately preceding  and  during  the  battles  of  the  Wilderness  and 
Chancellorsville.  The  enemy  had  more  than  a  week  previously  con- 
centrated a  large  body  of  cavalry  (two  or  three  divisions)  along  the 
line  of  the  upper  Rappahannock,  whose  attempt  to  hold  a  footing  on 
the  south  bank  of  the  river  had  been  repulsed  with  loss  by  the  two 
brigades  with  me,  commanded  respectively  by  Brigadier  Generals 
Fitzhugh  and  W.  II.  F.  Lee.  Finally,  infantry  appeared  at  Kelly's 
ford  and  Rappahannock  bridge,  but  were  so  inactive  that  thus  far 
there  was  nothing  inconsistent  with  the  supposition  that  their  appear- 
ance was  a  feint.  About  dark,  however,  on  Tuesday  night,  April 
28th,  the  enemy  crossed  below  the  bend  of  the  river  at  Kelly's,  in 
boats,  opposite  our  videttes,  and,  before  the  force  posted  to  defend  the 
ford  could  be  sent  to  that  point,  had  crossed  in  such  numbers  as  to 
make  any  attempt  at  resistance  futile.  The  party  crossing  at  once 
threw  over  a  pontoon  bridge  and  moved  directly  op  the  river,  com- 
pelling our  forces  to  abandon  the  ford  at  Kelly's,  and  severing  our 
communication  with  the  lower  pickets.  General  \V.  H.  F.  Lee,  near 
Brandy,  on  receiving  this  intelligence,  sent  a  regiment  (thirteenth  Vir- 
ginia cavalry)  at  once  to  meet  the  advance  of  infantry,  which  was 
checked  a  mile  above  Kelly's.  I  received  information  of  this  move 
about  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  at  Culpeper,  and  made  arrangements  to 
have  the  entire  cavalry  and  artillery  force  in  Culpeper  on  the  ground 
at  daylight  the  next  morning,  directing,  in  the  meantime,  that  the 
enemy  be  so  enveloped  with  pickets  as  to  see  what  route  he  took  from 
Kelly's  and  keep  him  in  check.*  General  W.  H.  F.  Lee  selected  a 
fine  position  between  Brandy  and  Kelly's  and  awaited  the  advance, 
General  Fitz  Lee  being  held  in  reserve  at  Brandy,  with  a  regiment  at 
Stevensburg.  The  enemy  did  not  make  a  serious  advance  towards 
our  position,  though  Chambliss,  with  the  thirteenth  Virginia,  was 
skirmishing  all  the  forenoon  with  the  enemy's  infantry. 

About  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received  a  report  from  the  pickets  to- 
wards Madden's  that  the  enemy  was  moving  a  large  infantry  force  in 
that  direction.  Leaving  Chambliss  in  front  of  the  enemy  where  I 
then  was.  I  marched  the  remainder  of  the  command,  Fitz  Lee  in  ad- 
vance, directly  to  Madden^s,  where  we  pierced  the  enemy's  column, 

*In  this  report  I  have  endeavored  to  describe-  the  various  operations  of  the 
cavalry,  without  detailing  the  result  of  the  various  contests. 


38 

while  marching,  and  scattered  it,  talcing  possession  of  the  road  and 
capturing  a  number  of  prisoners,  wlych  enabled  us  to  [develop  their 
Btrength  "and  designs,  as  we  captured  prisoners  from  three  army 
corps:  the 'eleventh  (Howard's),  twelfth  (Slocum's),  and  the  fifth 
(Meade's),  and  soon  after  learned  that  the  column  hud  marched  direct 
for  Geimana  ford.  These  items  were  telegraphed  to  the  command- 
ing General.  Colonel  J.  Lucius  Davis,  near  Beaver  Dam,  had  been 
telegraphed  early  that  day  to  move  his  forces  at  once  to  occupy  and 
hold  the  Rapidan  fords,  but  I  had  no  assurance  that  the  order  would 
be  obeyed  with  nufficient  promptness  to  accomplish  the  object,  and  as 
there  was  no  cavalry  on  the  left  flank  of  the  main  army,  it  was  indis- 
pensably necessary  to  move  round  to  get  in  front  of  the  enemy 
moving  down  upon  Fredericksburg,  delay  him  as  much  as  possible, 
and  protect  our  left  flank  ;  besides,  while  in  the  execution  of  this 
design,  I  received  instructions  from  the  commanding  General  to  give 
necessary  orders  about  public  property  along  the  railroad  and  swing 
around  to  join  his  left  wing,  delaying  the  enemy  as  much  as  possible 
in  his  march.  The  brigade  of  General  Fitz  Lee  was  put  en  route,  in 
a  jaded  and  hungry  condition,  to  Raccoon  ford,  to  cross  and  move 
round  to  the  enemy's  front.  General  W.  II.  F.  Lee,  with  the  two 
.regiments,  the  seventh  and  thirteenth,  under  his  command,  was 
directed  to  move  by  way  of  Culpeper,  to  take  up  the  line  of  the 
upper  Rapidan,  and  look  out  for  Goruonsville  and  the  railroad. 
Couriers  had  been,  by  direction,  sent  to  Ely's  and  Germana  to  notify 
our  parties  there  of  the  enemy's  advance,  but  were  captured,  and 
consequently  the  parties  at  those  points  received  no  notice.  By  the- 
good  management  of  Captain  Collins,  however,  (now  Major  fifteenth 
Virginia  cavalry,)  the  enemy  wa3  checked  for  some  time  at  Ger- 
mana, and  his  wagons  and  implements  saved,  though  some  of  his  men 
were  captured.  A  strong  party  of  sharpshooters  was  left  to  hold  the 
road  of  the  enemy's  march  as  long  as  possible,  and  these  follow  on, 
which  was  done,  the  party  maintaining  their  position  until  eleven 
o'clock  at  night,  when  the  enemy  advanced  and  compelled  them  to 
retire.  Dispatches  captured  showed  that  trains  of  wagons  and  droves 
of  cattle  accompanied  the  expedition,  and  the  men  were  already  sup- 
plied with  five  days  rations  in  haversacks.  These  items  placed  it 
beyond  doubt  that  the  enemy  was  making  a  real  movement  to  turn 
Fredericksburg.  Crossing  the  Rapidan  that  night  the  main  body  of 
cavalry  was  halted  to  rest  a  few  hours,  having  marched  more  than 
half  the  night,  and  one  regiment,  Colonel  Owen,  was  sent  on  to  gefr 
between  the  enemy  and  Fredericksburg  and  impede  his  progress. 
Early  the  next  day,  (Thursday,  April  30th,)  Owen  having  reached 
the  Germana  road,  on  the  Fredericksburg  side,  kept  in  the  enemy's 
front,  while  the  remainder  kept  on  the  enemy's  right  flank,  opened  on 
his  column  at  Wilderness  tavern,  delaying  his  march  until  twelve, 
M.,  and  causing  several  regiments  of  infantry  to  deploy  in  line  of 
battle  to  meet  us.  Hearing  that  the  enemy  had  already  reached 
Chancellorsville  by  the  Ely's  ford  road,  I  directed  my  march  by 
Todd's  tavern  for  Spottsylvania  Court  House.  Night  overtook  us  at 
Todd's  tavern,  and  anxious  to  know  what  the  commanding  General 


39 

desired  me  to  do  further,  I  left  the  command  to  bivouac  here,  .4 
proceeded  with  my  staff  towards  his  headquarters,  near  Frederic-  <*- 
burg,  but  had  not  proceeded  a  mile  before  we  found  ourselves 
confronted  by  a  party  of  the  enemy  double  our  own,  directly  in  oor 
path.  I  sent  back  hastily  for  a  regiment,  which,  coming  up,  (fifth 
Virginia  cavalry,  Colonel  Tyler,)  attacked  and  routed  the  party. 
But,  in  the  meantime,  another  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  came  in 
rear  of  the  fifth.  Receiving  notice  of  this,  I  gave  orders  to  with- 
draw the  fifth  from  the  road  and  sent  for  the  brigade  to  push  op  at 
once.  This  was  done,  and  by  the  bright  moonlight  a  series  of  charges 
routed  and  scattered  this  expedition,  which  had  penetrated  to  wittnn 
a  mile  or  two  of  Spottsylvania  Court- House.  It  has  been  since  ascer- 
tained that  this  expedition  was  by  no  means  an  insignificant  affvir, 
and  but  for  the  timely  arrival  of  this  cavalry  on  the  spot,  and  its 
prompt  and  vigorous  action,  might  have  resulted  disastrously.  Artil- 
lery, as  well  as  trains,  were  passing  Spottsylvania  unprotected  at  the 
time.  With  very  little  rest,  without  waiting  for  rations  or  for^g^, 
this  noble  little  brigade,  under  its  incomparable  leader,  were  in  -he 
saddle  early  tjie  next  morning,  and  moving  on  Jackson's  left  flank 
during  the  entire  day  (May  1st),  and  swinging  around  to  the  left  to 
threaten  the  enemy's  rear.  On  the  morning  of  May  2d,  the  cavalry 
of  this  brigade  was  disposed  so  as  to  clear  Jackson's  way  in  turning 
the  enemy's  right  flank  and  to  cover  the  movement  of  this  coi  pv, 
masking  it  on  its  right  flank.  This  was  done  most  successfully,  driv- 
ing off  the  enemy's  cavalry  whenever  it  appeared,  and  enabled  Jack- 
son to  surprise  the  enemy.  In  the  subsequent  operations  attendi&g 
the  battle  and  glorious  victory,  the  cavalry  did  most  essential  servue 
in  watching  our  flanks  and  holding  the  Ely's  ford  road  in  the  enemy'J 
rear,  Wickhara  and  Owen  being  on  the  extreme  right.  The  horM 
artillery  kept  pace  with  the  infantry  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness, 
leading  the  attack  of  artillery.  Too  much  praise  cannot  be  awar>.  i 
the  brave  men  who  thus  bore  fatigue,  hunger,  loss  of  sleep  and  d  >■"«- 
gcr  without  a  murmur.  The  operations  of  Brigadier  General  W.  H. 
F.  Lee,  with  his  handful  of  men,  are  embraced  in  the  memova  »U 
furnished  by  him.  His  report  is  not  only  satisfactory,  but  gives  <•>!- 
dence  of  sagacity  and  good  conduct  throughout,  and  of  great 
efficiency  on  the  part  of  his  command.  The  result  shows  that  the 
disposition  made  of  these  two  commands  was  absolutely  necessary. 
Jones'  brigade  was  entirely  out  of  reach,  and  Hampton  was  south  of 
James  river  recruiting.  That  Stoneman,  with  a  large  cavalry  forv«s, 
was  allowed  to  penetrate  into  the  heart  of  the  State,  though  compar- 
atively harmless  in  results,  is  due  to  the  entire  inadequacy  '!n 
numbers  of  the  cavalry  of  the  army  of  Northern  Virginia.  The 
enemy  has  confronted  us  with  at  leas;  three  divisions  of  cavalry, 
more  or  less  concentrated,  which  we  oppose  with  one  division,  spn  .1 
from  the  Chesapeake  to  the  Alleghany  ;  yet,  had  not  the  approach.  ~f 
a  battle  below  made  it  necessary  to  divide  the  force  of  the  two  Lets, 
I  feel  very  confident  that  Stoneman's  advance  would  have  been  pre- 
vented, though  with   great  sacrifice  of   life,  owing    to  disparity   cf 


40 

numbers.*  With  the  commanding  General,  who  is  aware  of  all  the 
facts,  we  are  content  to  rest  our  vindication,  if  the  pursuit  of  the 
ptain  path  of  duty  need  vindication. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E.  B.  STUART, 
Major  General  commanding. 
• 
*A  Belgian  officer  of  General  Carl  Schurz's  staff  was  captured,  who  represented 
that  the  eleventh  corps  was  certainly  across;  how  much   more    was    to   follow  he 
could  not  tell,  but  thought  that   the   force   altogether   in    this  column  was  about 
80,000.     He  seemed  frank  and  honest,  as  well  as  communicative. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  JOHNSON. 

Headquarters  Johnston's  Division,  ) 
August  25,  1863.       •  S 

Major  Chas.  Marshall  ; 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  Brigadier  General  R.  E.  Col- 
ston's official  report  of  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville. 

It  will  be  observed  that  General  Colston's  report  is  very  full,  em- 
bracing the  operations  of  the  different  brigades  in  detail. 

None  of  the  brigade  commanders,  who  commanded  in  the  battle,  are 
present ;  three  were  killed,  and  the  other,  Brigadier  General  H.  C. 
Nichols,  permanently  disabled. 

If  General  Colston's  report  is  not  sufficiently  full  for  your  pur- 
poses, please  inform  me  and  I  will  forward   reports  from  senior  offi- 
cers present,  who  participated  in  the  battle. 
I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

ED.  JOHNSON, 
Major  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  COLSTON. 

Headquarters  Colston's  Brigade,  ) 
May  28,  1862.  \ 

Major  A.  S.  Pendleton,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  As  commander  of  Trimble's  division,  during  the  battle  of 
Chancellorsville  on  the  2d  and  3d  instant,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit 
the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  ^.that  division.  This  report 
would  have  been  forwarded  before,  but  for  the  fact  that,  being  sepa- 
rated from  the  rest  of  the  division,  and  being  no  longer  in  command 
of  it,  I  did  not  receive  all  the  brigade  returns  until  yesterday. 

On  the  29th  of  April,  the  divisions  received  orders  to  march  from 
their  camps  at  Moss  and  Shinker's  Necks  to  Hamilton's  Crossing. 
They  reached  this  point  in  the  evening,  and  remained  there  until 
May  1st.  Orders  were  then  received  to  march  in  a  direction  leading 
towards  Chancellorsville.  The  march  was  contiued  until  night,  and 
resumed  early  the  next  morning,  upon  th>  plank  road  leading  to 
Orange  Court  House.  Arriving  at  the  point  where  Generals  Ander- 
son's and  McLaw's  divisions  were  in  position,  we  turned  to  the  left 
by  a  road  leading  by  Catherine  furnace  to  the  Brook  road,  and  thence 
to  the  Orange  and  Fredericksburg  plank  road,  which  we  followed  to 
the  Germana  junction.  Here  the  first  brigade,  under  General  Pax- 
ton,  was  deuched  from  the  division,  and  ordered  to  report  to  Briga- 
dier General  Fitz  Lee,  of  the  cavalry.  This  brigade  was  not  engaged 
during  the  evening  of  the  2d,  and  did  not  rejoin  the  division  until 
next  morning.  The  rest  of  the  division  moved  on,  together  with  the 
corps,  until  they  had  reached  a  point  west  of  Wilderness  church,  and 
in  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  right  flank. 

About  five  o'clock,  P.  M  ,  on  May  2d,  I  received  orders  to  form 
line  of  battle  near  the  "  Luckett  house,"  perpendicular  to  a  road 
which  passes  on  by  Wilderness  church,  and  merges  into  the  plank  road 
leading  to  Chancellorsville.  After  receiving  several  orders  and 
counter-orders,  which  caused  some  delay,  my  line  was  finally  formed, 
my  three  brigades' being  nearly  all  on  the  left  of  the  road,  Colston's 
brigade  being  on  the  right,  under  Col.  Warren,  Jones'  brigade  next,  and 
Nichols'  on  the  extreme  left.  My  line  was  about  two  hundred  yards 
in  the  rear  of  General  Rodes,  who  was  in  the  first  line,  and  orders 
were  received  that,  when  any  portion  of  the  first  line  needed  reinforce- 
ments, the  officer,  commanding  this  position,  would  call  for  and  re- 
ceive aid  from  the  portion  of  the  line  in  his  rear,  without  referring 
the  order  to  division  commanders. 

Orders  to  advance  were  received  at  six  o'clock  precisely,  and  the 
troops  moved  on  with  enthusiasm  against  the  enemy.  In  a  few  mo- 
ments the  action  opened  with  a  tremendous  fire  of  musketry,  two 
pieces  of  Stuart's  horse  artillery,  in  the  road,  supporting  our  infantry 
with  their  fire.     Notwithstanding  the  tangled  and  very  difficult  char- 


4S 

acter  of  the  woods,  and  the  resistance  of  the  enemy,  our  troops  ad- 
vanced with  great  rapidity,  driving  the  enemy  like  chaff  before  their., 
but  not  without  loss  to  themselves.  The  division  had  advanced  but 
a  short  time,  not  more  than  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  and  the  battle  had 
hardly  more  than  commenced,  when  General  Rodes  called  upon  Col- 
onel Warren  to  support  him.  The  troops  of  my  division  had  pressed 
on  so  ardently,  that  they  were  already  within  a  few  steps  of  the  first 
line,  and,  in  some  places,  mixed  up  with  them.  The  second  and  third 
brigades,  commanded  by  General  J.  R.  Jones  and  Colonel  Warren, 
pushed  on 'with,  and  through,  the  first  line,  and  they  were  the  first  to 
charge  upon  and  capture  the  first  line  of  entrenchments  of  the  enemy, 
which  were  in  an  open  field  beyond  the  Wilderness  church.  This 
they  did  under  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry. 

A  large  number  of  prisoners  and  two  pieces  of  artillery  were  taken 
here  by  the  second  brigade,  Captain  W.  S.  Hannah,  of  the  fiftieth 
Virginia  regiment,  being  the  first  to  lay  his  hands  upon  these  pieces, 
and  color  sergeant  Pickle,  of  the  same  regiment,  planting  his  colore 
over  them.  At  the  same  time,  three  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  number 
of  prisoners  were  taken  by  the  third  brigade,  whose  gallant  com- 
mander, Colonel  Warren,  had  fallen,  severely  wounded  a  few  minutes 
before,  and  which  was  now  under  the  command  of  Colonel  T.  V .  Wil- 
liams, thirty-seventh  Virginia.  We  continued  to  drive  the  enemy 
before  us  until  darkness  prevented  our  further  advance.  The  firing 
had  now  ceased,  owing  to  the  very  difficult  and  tangled  nature  of  the 
ground  over  which  the  troops  had  advanced,  and  the  mingling  of 
the  first  and  second  lines  of  ba'tle,  the  formation  of  the  troops  had 
become  Jvery  much  confused,  and  different  regiments,  brigades  and 
divisions  wero  mixed  up  together.  In  order  to  be  ready  to  renew  the 
conflict  at  daylight,  it  was  necessary  to  reform  them  in  proper  order, 
and  a  portion  of  General  A.  P'  Hill's  troops  having  moved  to  the 
front,  I  ordered  the  different  brigades  of  my  division  to  form  near  the 
log  hospital,  which  was  occupied  by  the  enemy's  wounded,  and  to  draw 
a  fresh  supply  of  ammunition.  The  fourth  brigade  was  formed  on 
the  left  of  the  plank  road,  the  others  on  the  right.  The  first,  which 
had  been  detached  in  the  evening,  not  having  yet  rejoined,  was  some 
distance  in  the  rear.  The  troops  were  hardly  reformed  and  placed 
in  position,  when  the  enemy  opened,  about  ten  o'clock,  a  furious  fire 
of  shot,  shell  and  canister,  sweeping  down  the  plank  road  and  the 
woods  on  each  side.  A  number  of  artillery  horses,  some  of  them 
without  drivers,  and  a  great  many  infantry  soldiers,  belonging  toother 
commands,  rushed  down  the  road  in  wild  disorder ;  but  although  many 
casualties  occurred  at  this  time  in  my  division,  the  troops  occupied 
their  positions  frith  the  utmost  steadiness.-  It  was  at  this  time  that 
General  Nichols,  of  the  Louisiana  brigade,  (fouith)  a  gallant  and  ac- 
complished officer,  had  his  left  tag  torn  off  by  a  shell,  and  was  car- 
ried off  the  field.  The  command  of  his  brigade  devolved  on  Colonel 
J.  M.  Williams,  who,  during  the  following  day,  discharged  with  zeal 
and  gallantry  the  duties  of  brigade  commander.  It  was  also  about 
the  same  tin;*'  that  our  great  and  good,  and  ever  to  be  lamented  corps 
commander,  fell  under  the  fire  of  some  of  the  men  of  General  Lane's 


44 

brigade.  A  desultory  firing  continued  at  irregular  intervals  during 
the  night,  and  the  wearied  troops  had  but  small  opportunity  to  obtain 
the  repose  which  was  soo  needful  for  the  task  of  the  next  day.  Gene- 
ral J.  R.  Jones,  owing  to  the  ulcerated  condition  of  one  of  his  legs, 
was  compelled  to  leave  the  field  about  eleven  o'clock,  and  Colonel  T. 
S.  Garnett  assumed  command  of  his  brigade. 

Early  on  Sunday  morning,  orders  were  given  to  the  division  to  form 
at  right  angles  to  the  plank  road,  near  the  log  house,. occupied  as  a 
hospital  by  the  enemy.  Colston's  and  Jones'  brigades  on  the  right  of 
the  road,  and  Paxton's  and  Nichol's  on  the  left,  in  second  line.  As 
soon  as  it  v,as  broad  daylight,  the  battle  commenced  with  fury.  Our 
troops  advanced  from  the  breastworks,  running  perpendicular  to  the 
plank  road,  and  charged  the  enemy  up  the  hills,  but  were  driven  back  by 
the  enemy  who  were  strongly  reinforced.  Colston's  brigade,  under 
Colonel  T.  V.  Williams,  immediately  advanced  to  the  support  of  the  first 
line  ,  and  became  hotly  engaged.  Col.  T.  V.  Williams  being  wounded, 
and  Lieut.  Col.  Walker  who  succeeded  him  in  command  of  the  brigade, 
being  killed,  the  command  devolved  first  upon  Lieut.  Col.  Thurston, 
third  North  Carolina  regiment,  and  he  being  wounded,  Lieut  Colonel 
Brown,  first  North  Carolina,  assumed  command.  Here  Colonel  Mc- 
Dowell, first  North  Carolina  regiment  was  wounded,  and  Major  Sto- 
ver, tenth  Virginia  regiment  was  killed.  By  this  time  the  enemy 
were  advancing  in  very  strong  force  towards  the  right  of  our  line 
and  of  the  breastworks,  and  were  about  out-flanking  us  on  the  right. 
Seeing  this  danger,  I  sent  Mr.  Grogan,  of  General  Trimble's  staff,  to 
order  Paxton's  brigade  to  move  by  the  right  flank  across  the  road,  and 
Lieutenant  Hinrichs  of  the  engineers,  was  sent  with  an  order  to  Jones' 
brigade,  under  Colonel  Garnett,  t )  advance  towards  the  right  from 
their  position,  a  little  in  the  rear  in  reserve.  This  was  a  most  criti- 
cal moment.  The  troops  in  the  breastworks,  belonging  mainly  (I  be- 
lieve) to  General  Pender's  and  General  McGowan's  brigades,  were 
almost  without  ammunition,  and  had  become  mixed  with  each  other, 
and  with  fragments  of  other  commands.  They  were  huddled  up  close 
to  the  breastworks,  six  and  eight  deep.  In  the  meantime  the  enemy's 
line  was  steadily  advancing  on  our  front  and  right,  almost  without 
opposition,  until  I  ordered  the  troops  in  the  breastwork  to  oj>en  fire 
upon  them.  At  this  moment,  Paxton's  brigade  having  moved  by  the 
right  flank  across  the  road,  and  then  by  the  left  flank  in  line  of  bat- 
tle, advanced  towards  the  breastworks.  Before  reaching  them,  the 
gallant  and  lamented  General  Paxton  fell ;  the  command  devolved 
upon  Colonel  Funk,  fifth  Virginia  regiment.  The  brigade  advanced 
steadily,  and  the  second  brigade  moved  up  at  the  same  time.  They 
opened  fire  upon  the  enemy  and  drove  them  back  in  confusion.  It 
was  at  and  beyond  these  breastworks  that  the  division  sustained  the 
most  severe  loss,  the  nature  of  the  ground  being  such  that  the  enemy 
had  a  plunging  fire  upon  us,  and  sent  destruction  upon  all  that  occu- 
pied the  slope  of  the  hill  on  which  we  were.  Here  fell  the  gallant 
Colonel  Garnett,  commanding  Jones'  brigade,  leaving  Colonel  Vande- 
venter,  fiftieth  Virginia,  in  command.  Here  Major  McEim,  of  divi- 
sion staff,  was  killed  while  most  gallantly  cheering  on   the   men. 


45 

Major  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Grogan,  of  the  same  staff,  were  wounded. 
All  these  officers  having  remained  mounted  with  and  near  the  divis- 
ion commander  and  the  other  members  of  the  staff,  and  having  their 
horses  killed  under  them. 

For  a  time  the  tide  of  battle  fluctuated;  the  three  brigades  of  this 
division  making  several  distinct  charges,  and  being  driven  back  by 
superior  numbers,  until  at  last  the  enemy  were  compelled  to  abandon 
their  works  near  the  Chancellor  house.  About  twenty  pieces  of 
artillery  coming  into  battery  helped,  finally,  to  drive  back  the  enemy, 
and  the  conflict  was  virtually  over  at  this  point,  and  the  firing  ceased. 
In  the  meanwhile  a  very  sharp  fire  on  the  left  of  the  road  announced 
that  the  Louisiana  brigade  was  hotly  engaged.  I  ordered  part  of  the 
troops  in  the  breastwork  to  march  by  the  left  flank  to  their  support, 
and  General  Colquitt's  brigade  coming  up  at  the  same  time,  was 
ordered,  by  General  Stuart,  to  proceed  in  the  same  direction.  These 
forces  arrived  on  the  left  just  in  time  The  Louisiana  troops,  who 
had  been  fighting  gallantly  for  a  long  time  without  support,  and  whoso 
ammunition  was  almost  entirely  exhausted,  were  falling  bark,  under 
a  tremendous  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry.  The  arrival  of  the  rein- 
forcements enabled  them  to  stop  their  retrograde  movement  and  the 
whole  line  advanced  together,  and,  delivering  a  few  well  directed 
volleys,  the  enemy  was  forced  to  retreat.  It  was  now  about  twelve 
o'clock.  The  enemy  was  driven  beyond  Chancellorsvillo.  The  troops 
of  my  division  wereelmost  entirely  without  ammunition,  having  ex- 
pended all  their  own,  besides  a  large  quantity  of  Yankee  ammunition. 
They  were  accordingly  withdrawn  to  the  rear,  and  supplied  with 
fresh  ammunition  and  with  rations,  of  which  they  stood  in  great 
need,  and  their  shattered  ranks  were  reformed. 

No  further  movements  took  place  until  about  three  o'clock.  At 
this  time  I  received  an  order  to  report  in  person  to  General  Lee. 
Upon  my  doing  so,  the  General  ordered  me  to  form  my  division  per- 
pendicular to  the  road  leading  from  the  Chancellorsville  house  towards 
to  the  United  States  ford — to  throw  forward  skirmishers  and  to 
advance  fur  the  purpose  of  feeling  and  ascertaining  the  enemy's  posi- 
tion— not  of  taking  his  batteries.  To  this  he  added,  thalt  the  road 
turned  to  the  right  at  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant,  but  that  I 
would  probably  meet  opposition  before  I  got  there.  I  accordingly 
formed  my  troops  on  both  sides  of  the  road,  Nichols'  and  Colston's 
brigades  being  on  the  left  and  Jones'  and  Paxton's  on  the  right.  I 
ordered  Lieutenant  Hinrichs,  of  the  engineers,  to  advance  with  the 
skirmishers  and  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  position.  The  command  was 
then  given  for  the  division  to  move  forward.  Hardly  had  they 
advanced  a  few  paces,  when  a  terrific  fire  of  shell  an,d  canister  was 
opened,  by  the  enemy,  from  a  battery  of  twelve  pieces  of  artillery.  I 
ordered  a  section  of  Napoleon  guns  to  advance  up  the  road  and  reply 
to  the  enemy's  fire.  There  was  no  other  spot  than  the  road,  in  whichr 
they  could  be  placed,  and  that  was  too  narrow  to  allow  a  larger  num- 
ber of  pieces  to  be  put  in  battery.  Finding  that  they  would  be  speedily 
silenced,  and  probably,  with  useless  loss  of  life  and  material  by  the  ene- 
my's superior  artillery,  I  ordered  them  back  after  a  few  rounds.    In  the 


46 

meantime,  perceiving  some  confusion  on  the  left,  of  the  road,  I  proceeded 
there  and  found  the  tenth  Louisiana  regiment  exposed  to  a.  perfect  storm 
of  grape  and  shell,  and  rapidly  giving  way.  Seconded  by  my  aid,  Lieut. 
Tosh,  and  by  the  gallant  exertions  of  the  officers  of  this  regiment,  whose 
conduct  deserves  the  highest  praise,.  I  succeeded  in  arresting  this 
retrograde. movement,  in  spite  of  the  enemy's  continued  fire  ;  but  the 
carriage  in  this  small  regiment  was  great — in  less  than;  two  minutes, 
fifty  officers  and  men  fell,  killed  and  wounded,  by  my  side,  including 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Legett,  who  was  instantly  killed  by  a  shell.  The 
remainder  of  the  brigade  suffered  in  a  less  degree,  some  portions 
having  advanced  inside  of  the  point  where  the  enemy's  shot  were 
falling.  By  this  time  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  occupied  a 
formidable  position  ;  twelve  pieces  of  artillery  were  planted  in  barbette 
at  the  top  of  the  first  hill,  and  a  line  of  entrenchments,  occupied  by  in- 
fantry, stretched  out  on  each  side  of  the  artillery,  occupying  a  front 
much  wider  than  that  of  my  division.  Another  line  of  infantry, 
precceded  by  skirmishers,  was  drawn  up  outside  of  the  works.  To 
advance  in  the  face  of  such  a  force,  with  a  division  so  much  reduced 
as  mine  was,  would  have  been  only  to  ensure  its  destruction,  and 
■would  have  been  contrary  to  the  instructions  I  had  received  fr.om  the 
General  commanding.  I  accordingly  reported  to  General  Stuart,  who 
was,  for  the  time,  my  immediate  commander,  that  my  division  was 
not  able  to  attack^  with  any  prospect  of  success,  the  position  of  the 
enemy.  I  was  then  ordered  by  him  to  place  nrV  division  in  some 
entrenchments  which  had  been  abandoned  by  the  enemy  ;  the  division 
was  moved  at  night  to  a  position  in  prolongation  of  General  Rodes' 
line,  and  the  position  was  fortifbd  during  the  next  day  and  night. 
On  Monday  and  Tuesday,  occasional  skirmishing  took  place  with  the 
enemy. 

In  reconnoitering  his  position  and  ascertaining  his  movements,  im- 
portant service  was  rendered  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  T.  Colston,  of 
the  second  Virginia,  and  Captain  William  Randolph,  and  Lieutenant 
Hinrichs,  of  the  engineers. 

The  enemy  having  withdrawn  their  forces  across  the  river,  two 
brigades  of  this  division,  Colston's  and  Jones',  remained,  the  first  at 
United  States  ford,,  and  the  latter  near  Chancellor3ville,  and  collected 
upon  the  battle-field  vast  quantities  of  arms,  ordnance,  &c,  which 
were  sent  on  to  Guiney  Station  and  Hamilton's  Crossing.  Commu- 
nication was  opened  with  the  enemy  by  flag  of  truce;  and,  in  accord- 
ance vith  instructions  from  General  Lee,  they  were  allowed  to  move 
all  their  wounded,  and  also  the  bodies  of  several  of  their  officers  who 
had  fallen  in  the  battle.  These  duties  being  completed,  the  two 
brigades  above  jnentioned  returned  to  the  neighborhood  of  Hamiltm's 
Crossing,  and  I  returned  to  the  command  of  my  own  brigade  on  the 
20th  instant. 

"Where  all  did  their  duty  so  well  and  so  completely,  it  becomes  im- 
possible to  mention  all  those  who  exhibited  great  gallantry.  That 
the  trocps  of  this  division  did  perform  their  dut/ well  an  1  completely, 
is  evidenced  by  the  bloody  roll  of  the  killed  and  wounded.  Two 
hundred  and  sixty-seven  killed,  and  fifteen  hundred  and  ninety-two 


47 

wounded,  making  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-nine  casualties,  not 
counting  the  very  slightly  wounded,  in  a  division  which  went 
into  action  with  little  more  than  six  thousand  men,  is  a  larger 
per  centage  than  that  of  any  other  division  in  the  lato  hattle. 
Although  placed  in  second  line  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  it 
is  an  indubitable  fact  that,  before  jt  had  made  progress  many  minutes, 
both  on  Saturday  and  on  Sunday,  the  troops  of  this  division  had 
passed  into  and  repeatedly  through  and  beyond  the  first  line.  And, 
without  any  desire  to  detract  from  the  just  fame  of  other  commands, 
I  feel  confident  that  much  of  the  credit  due  to  the  prowess  of  Trim- 
ble's division  has  been  attributed  toothers.  The  unusual  proportion 
of  officers  who  fell — the  fact  that  the  four  brigades  lost  eight  biigade 
commanders,  three  of  them  killed  and  the  rest  disabled,  and  that,  out 
of  the  division  staff,  one  was  killed  and  two  were  wounded,  all  this 
shows  that  all,  of  every  rank,  bore  their  part  well  in  this  great  bat- 
tle. ' 

I  cannot,  however,  close  this  report  without  mentioning,  more  par- 
ticularly, first  the  names  of  some  of  the  most  promnient  of  the  gal- 
lant dead.  Paxton,  Garnett  and  Walker,  died  heroically  at  tho  head 
of  their  brigades.  Tho  chivalrous  Duncan  McRim,  of  General  Trim- 
ble's staff,  fell  while  conducting  reinforcements  to  repel  the  enemy. 
Major  Stover,  of  tho  tenth  Virginia;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Liggett, 
tenth  Louisiana,  and  many  others  fell  to  rise  no  more.  Colonel  War- 
ren, tenth  Viiginia;  Colonel  T.  V.  Williams,  thirty-seventh  Vir- 
ginia ;  and  Lieut.  Colonel  Thurston,  third  North  Carolina,  wounded 
while  commanding  the  third  brigade,  deserve  special  mention  for  their 
gallantry.  Also,  Colonel  Funk,  fifth  Virginia  ;  Colonel  Vandeven- 
tcr,  fiftieth  Virginia;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Brown,  first  North  Caro- 
lina; and  Colonel  J.  M.  Williams,  tenth  Louisiana,  on  whem  the 
command  of  the  first,  second,  third  and  fourth  biigades  devolved, 
respectively.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Withers,  of  forty-second  Vir- 
ginia ;  Major  White,  forty-eighth  Virginia;  Captain  Buckner,  fori_y~ 
fourth  Virginia;  Captain  Mosely,  twenty-first  Virginia;  Maj  jr 
Perkins  and  Captain  Kelly,  commanding  fiftieth  Virginia,  and  Captain 
Samuel  J.  C.  Moore,  acting  adjutant  general  to  Jones'  brigade,  are 
mentioned  for  gallant  conduct  by  their  brigade  commanders.  Also, 
Lieutenant  C.  J.  Arnell,  acting  assistant  adjutant  general  of  Paxton's 
brigade,  and  Captain  Henry  Kyd  Douglass,  inspector  of  this  brigade, 
to  whose  gallantry  and  good  conduct  1  am  also  an  eye  witness.  Col- 
onel II.  K.  Edmundson,  of  the  twenty -seventh  Virginia,  severely 
wounded  at  the  head  of  his  regiment,  also  deserves  special  mention. 
Of  the  conduct  of  the  division  staff,  I  cannot spoak  too  highly.  Major 
Hoffman  and  Mr.  Charles  Grogan  were  both  severely  wounded,  while 
nobly  discharging  their  duties.  Ciptain  W.  Carvel  Hall,  assistant 
adjutant  general,  was  not  only  conspicuous  for  his  gallantry,  but  dis- 
charged the  arduous  duties  of  his  position,  both  during  and  after  tlio 
battle,  with  a  zeal  and  ability  worthy  of  all  praise  ;  as  did  also  Lieuten- 
ant Ilinrichs.  of  the  engineers,  who  acted,  during  the  b.tttle,  as  ai  1- 
de  e.imp.  Lieutenant  James  T  Tosh,  my  own  aid -de-cam  ,  behaved 
with  a  daring  and  bravery  which  cannot  be  surpassed,   and  aided  mo 


48 

materially  more  than  once  in  rallying  and  pushingforward  some  portions 
of  the  line,  momentarily  wavering  under  the  superior  numbers  and 
withering  fire  of  the  enemy.  . 

I  also  wish  to  express  my  high  appreciation  of  the  skillful,  zealous 
and  able  manner  in  which  Dr.  R.  F.  Coleman,  division  surgeon,  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  his  office. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

R.  B.  COLSTON,  Brigadier  General 
Official  copy  : 

R.  W.  Hunter,  A.  A.  G.t  Johnson's  Division. 


>• 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  W.  H.  F.  LEE. 

Thursday,  April  PMk. — Marched  from  Culpeper  to  Rapidan  station 
with  ninth  and  thirteenth  Virginia  cavalry,  and  one  piece  of  artil- 
lery ;  left  one  squadron  in  Culpepeper,  which  fell  back  on  the  appear- 
ance of  the  enemy,  and  joined  me  at  Rapidan.  Enemy  appeared  that 
evening.  r 

Fiiday,  May  1st — Engaged  all  day  with  one  or  two  brigades  of 
eavalry.  One  charge  made  by  Colonel  Beale  with  one  squadron, 
to  draw  them  out,  took  thirty  prisoners,  but  could  not  bring  them  off; 
was  pressed  very  hard.  Received  orders  from  General  Lee  to  burn 
the  bridge  and  fall  back  to  Gordonsville  ;  burnt  the  bridge,  but  held 
my  position  all  day.  Enemy  commenced  moving  towards  night  in 
force  on  my  left.  Withdrew  at  night  and  marched  towards  Gordons- 
ville. 

Saturday,  May  "d. — Reached  Gordonsville  at  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M. ; 
heard  on  my  arrival  that  a  large  body  of  tbe  enemy  were  at  Trevil- 
lian"s  Depot  and  Louisa  Court-Hou^e;  sent  the  ninch  Virginia  cav- 
alry in  that  direction  ;  tbeir  videttes  were  driven  in  by  the  enemy. 
The  ninth  regiment  charged  and  drove  them  three  miles,  killed  and 
wounded  a  number,  and  took  thirty-two  prisoners.  One  lieutenant  and 
four  prisoners  taken  represented  three  different  regiments.  My  loss 
was  three  or  four  wounded.  Went  to  the  assistance  of  the  ninth  with 
the  thirteenth  regiment,  and  two  pieces  of  artillery ;  met  Colonel 
Beale  falling  back;  took  aposition  and  waited  their  approach.  They 
did  not  advance.  Learned  that  General  Stoneman  with  his  whole 
corps  was  at  Louisa  Court-House,  moving  towards  James  river;  sup- 
posed that  his  ol'ject  was  to  tear  up  the  railroad;  night  coming  on, 
my  men  and  horses  being  wearied  out  by  four  days'  fighting  and 
marching,  I  left  my  pickets  out  and  withdrew  to  Gordonsville. 

Sunday,  May  Sd. — Received  information  from  my  scouts  that  the 
enemy  were  leaving  Louisa  and  moving  in  the  direction  of  Columbia. 
Knowing  their  object  was  to  destroy  the  aqueduct,  I  started  after  them. 
Arrived  there  at  night ;  heard  that  they  had  left  in  a  great  hurry  ; 
pursued  all  night.  At  daybreak,  having  traveled  sixty  or  seventy 
miles,  the  enemy  being  three  hours  ahead  of  me,  halted.  My  vi- 
dettes reported  the  enemy  about  one  mile  in  advance  ;  had  exchanged 
words  ;  they  said  th'y  belonged  to  the  fifth  regulars  ;  knew  the  party 
I  was  pursuing  was  Wyndham's. 

Monday,  May  4th. — Started  forward  and  came  upon  him  drawn  up  in 
the  road.  One  squadron  of  the  ninth  was  ahead  a  few  hundred  yards  ; 
charged  ;  the  enemy  charged  at  the  same  time  ;  fought  band  to  hand 
for  four  or  five  minutes  ;  routed  the  party  ;  killed  six,  wounded  a 
number  ;  and  took  thirty  three  prisoners,  among  them  Capt.  Owens  and 
Lieutenant  Buford.  Captain  Owens  reported  that  his  regiment  was 
not  all  present,  but  that  he  was  on  picket;  that  (Jeneral  Buford  was 
only  three  miles  distant.  My  horses  and  men  being  jaded,  and  hav- 
ing only  about  eight  hundred  men,  I  determined  not  to  pursue.  Con- 
4 


50 

tinned  back  to  Gordonsville,  having  traveled  some  seventy  or  eighty 
miles. 

Tuesday,  May  5th. — Rested ;  having  sent  out  scouting  parties. 
Heard  by  telegram  from  Richmond  that  the  enemy  were  everywhere. 

Wednesday,  May  6th. — Having  received  information  that  the  enemy 
were  recrossing  the  railroad,  moved  down  upon  his  left  flank  ;  came 
upon  his  rear  at  North  Anna  river;  took  some  seventeen  or  eighteen 
prisoners.  Their  rear  guard  had  crossed  the  river  and  torn  up  the 
bridge.  It  had  been  raining  all  day  and  the  river  was  past  fording. 
Hearing  that  this  was  onlyjone  party  and  that  another  column  was 
moving  lower  down,  went  in  that  direction  ;  found  they  had  all  crossed 
the  North  Anna,  and  destroyed  the  bridges  behind  them.  Moved  that 
night  in  the  direction  of  Louisa  Court-House.  Bivouacked  in  three 
miles  of  Court-House. 

Thursday,  May  7th. — Went  to  Trevillians  and  fed.  Moved  on  at 
three,  P.  M.  for  Orange  Court-House  ;  arrived  at  eight,  A.  M.  Scouts 
reported  that  the  enemy  had  crossed  the  Rapidan. 

W.  H.  F.  LEE,  Brigadier  General. 


RETORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  TENDER. 

Camp  Gregg,  Va.,  May  14,  1863. 
Brigadier  General  II.  IIetii, 

Commanding  A.  P.  HiWs  Division  : 

General:   I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken   by  my  brigade  in    the   battle  of  Chancellorsville.     Having  ar- 
rived upon  the  right  of  the  enemy's   position   May  2d,  I  was  ordered 
to  form  line  of  battle  upon  the  left  of  the  road  leading  to  Chancellors- 
ville, in  rear  and  in  support  of  a  line  formed  by  part  of  Colston's 
division.     In  this  order  we  advanced  some  distance,  when  orders  were 
received  to  entor  the  road  again,  and  push  on  by  the  flank,  in  which 
order  I   moved   until   reaching    the   advance   position  of  our  troops. 
Here,  after  my  men  were  subjected  to  a  most  galling  and   destructive 
shelling  from  the  batteries  near  Chancellorsville,  1   moved  my  regi- 
ments in  to  the  left, and  formed  line  of  battle,  my  right  resting  upon  the 
road.     Before  I  had  completed  my  formation,  I  found  that  my  troops 
occupied  the  most  advanced  position  of  our  forces.     Skirmishers  were 
thrown  out  to  the  front,  and  in  this  position  we  remained   until    the 
general  advance  was  ordered,  early  next  morning,  May  3d.      My  line 
had  not  advanced  more  than  one  hundred   ami  fifty  yards  before  the 
firing   became  very  heavy ;  but    my   men   continued    to  advance,  and 
soon  it  became  apparent  tint  the  enemy  were  posted  behind  a  breast- 
work of  logs  and  brush.     This  we  carried  without   once  hesitating. 
Beyond  the   breastwork*  the  resistance  again  became  very  ob.-tinate,. 
as  if  we  had  come  in  contact  with   a   fresh  line  ;  but  let  me  here  say 
that  the  thickness  of  the  undergrowth  very  much  obstructed  the  view 
of  operations  the  whole  of  this  day  ;  and  this,  in  its  turn,  was  driven 
back  after  a  short  contest;  but  further  on   the  resistance   became  so 
great  from  their  infantry  force,  and  the  tremendous  fire  from  artil- 
lery on  my  right  regiments,  that   they  were  forced  to  fall  back,  but 
rallied  at   the  breastworks,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  our 
rear.     My  left  regiment,  (thirteenth   North  Carolina,)  not  being  sub- 
jected to  the  artillery  fire,  did  hot  fall  back,  but  continued  to  advance 
for  a  long  distance,  with  the  brigade  on  my  left;  and  in  this  advance 
Lieutenant  Ireland,  company  E,  thirteenth  North   Carolina,  rushed 
gallantly    forward   and  captured  Brigadier  General   Hays  and  staff, 
who  were  endeavoring  to  escape.     Corporal   Monroe  Robinson,  com- 
pany A,  thirteenth   North   Carolina,  also,  about  this  time,  chased  a 
color  bearer  so  closely  that  he  tore  off  the  colors  and  threw  down  the 
staff,  which  was  secured. 

After  the  other  four  regiments  fell  back  to  the  breastworks  and 
were  reformed,  I  advanced  again,  the  men  going  forward  with  alacrity: 
but,  after  penetrating  the  woods  about  the  same  distance  as  before, 
had  to  fall  back  again.  This,  to  some  extent,  was  unavoidable,  as  our 
line  on  the  right  of  the  road  had  bc<  n  driven  back  about  this  time, 
and  the  men  thus  found  that  the  enemy  were  at  least  one  hundred 


52 

yards  in  roar  of  them  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road.  The  thir- 
teenth North  Carolina,  (on  the  left,)  after  advancing  a  long  way  to 
the  front,  was  finally  compelled  to  fall  back,  for  want  of  support  and 
ammunition,  which  it  did  in  good  order.  When  my  line  was  forced 
back  the  second  time,  supports  came  up,  and  tocxk  the  advance.  My 
men  were  about  out  of  ammunition,  broken  down  and  badly  cut  up, 
having  lost  about  seven  hundred  officers  and  men  in  the  short  time  we 
had  been  engaged.  What  field  officers  were  left^  collected  the  men, 
after  they  had  fallen  behind  the  front  line,  and  were  engaged  at  dif- 
ferent times  during  the  fight.  Knowing  the  ground  pretty  well  by 
this  time,  I  remained  in  the  fight  with  whatever  troops  came  up,  until 
about  the  close  of  the  action,  when  I  very  readily  got  ray  men  into 
shape  again,  near  the  spot  from  where  I  commenced  the  advance. 

I  can  truly  say  that  my  brigade  fought  (May  3d)  with  unsurpassed 
courage  and  determination.  I  never  knew  them  act  universally  so 
well.  I  noticed  rio  skulking;  and  they  never  showed  any  hesitation 
in  following  their  colors.  My  list  of  killed  and  wounded  will  show 
how  manfully  they  fought  on  that  glorious  day.  After  having  wit- 
nessed the  fighting  of  nearly  all  the  troops  that  fought  on  the  left  of 
the  road,  I  am  satisfied  with  my  own,  but  by  no  means  claiming 
any  superiority.      All  that  I  saw  behaved  as  heroes. 

Colonel  Scales,  thirteenth  North  Carolina,  was  wounded,  and  thug 
I  was  deprived  of  as  gallant  a  man  as  is  to  be  found  in  the  service. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Hyman,  thirteenth  North  Carolina,  showed  him- 
self a  true  and  gallant  officer.  Captain  Rogers,  thirteenth  North 
Carolina,  gallantly  carried  the  colors  of  his  regiment  for  some  time 
after  receiving  a  wound  in  the  arm.  Adjutant  Walker,  thirteenth 
Ncith  Carolina,  also  received  high  commendation  from  his  regimental 
commander  for  his  gallantry.  Lieutenant  Smith,  company  B,  thir- 
teenth North  Carolina,  has  been  frequently  recommended  for  promo- 
tion for  gallant  conduct,  but  thus  far  has  not  been  confirmed.  Being 
fired  upon  by  one  of  the  enemy,  he  rushed  forward  and  killed  him 
with  his  sA'ord.  Lieutenant  Williamson,  also  recommended,  as  well 
as  Lieutenant  Smith,  continued  throughout  the  fight,  after  receiving 
a  flesh  wound  through  the  thigh.  Colonel  McElroy  and  Lieutenant 
•Colonel  Stowe,  sixteenth  North  Carolina,  both  behaved  as  finely  as 
officers  could,  until  they  were  both  seriously  wounded.  And  I  cannot 
refrain  from  mentioning  private  Wiggins,  of  the  same  regiment,  for 
his  gallantry  and  endurance.  After  being  on  skirmish  or  picket  duty 
for  three  days  and  nights,  he  volunteered  to  go  out  again,  when  he  very 
coolly  and  deliberately  loaded  several  guns,  with  which  he  killed  sev- 
eral of  the  enemy.  It  is  with  great  sorrow  that  I  have  to  record  the 
deaths  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cole  and  Major  Odell,  twenty-second 
North  Carolina  ;  two  finer  soldiers  or  more  gallant  men  were  not  to 
be  found  in  the  army.  They  never  failed  me  on  any  occasion. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Ashford,  Lieutenants  Brown  and  Robinson, 
thirty-eighth  North  Carolina,  the  former  part  of  the  time,  and  the  two 
latter  all  the  time,  in  charge  of  my  sharpshooters,  distinguished  them- 
selves very  much.  Colonel  Ashford  was  remarked  for  his  gallantry 
by  all;  and  Lieutenant  Brown  continued  with,  or  in  charge  of,  the 


53 


sharpshooters  for  several  days.  lie  is  a  young  man  who  deserves 
•promotion.  He  kept  his  skirmishers  so  close  to  the  enemy's  breast- 
works on  Monday  and  Tuesday  as  to  pick  off  their  artillery  horses,  men 
working  on  their  trenches,  and  any  one  seen  mounted.  He  drove  in 
their  skirmishers  on  all  occasions.  I  should  mention  that  Major 
McLauchlin,  thirty-eighth  North  Carolina,  was  badly  wounded,  while 
behaving  most  gallantly.  Adjutant  Mclntire,  6ame  regiment,  is  also 
spoken  of  for  distinguished  conduct.  In  general  terms,  my  officers, 
with  but  few  exocptions,  acted  not  only  well,  but  remarkably  so. 

The  following  table  will  show  my  loss.     Six  out  of  ten  field  officers 
were  killed  or  sciiously  wounded  : 

LIST  OF  CASUALTIES. 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

Mim-int;. 

Total. 

COMMAND. 

■i 

i- 

q 

i 

c 

^     . 

«  ? 

^E 
W 

31 
14 
98 
17 

18 

1 

5 

T5 
a>    • 

V  ? 
^E 
W 

m 
M 
a> 
o 

IS 

o 

•a 

~  a 

-si 

w 

6 
15 
14 
20 
11 

6« 

8 

m 
n 

10 
10 
4 
9 

-> 
«    . 

=  a 

3 
■2 
1 
2 

n 

7 

7 
3 
7 

or, 

167 

122* 

107 

70 

632 

i 
i 

2 

nth  N    C  irolinn  reit't 

Twtni  y-ferond  I? .  <  !nrolinn  re^t't. 
Thirty-fourth   N.  Carolina  reg't. 
Thirty-eighth  K.  Carolina  reg't. 

198 
95 

164 

144 
99 

N 

108 

46 

*710 

I  t-bould  have  stated  that  Colonel  McElroy,  with  his  regiment,  the 
sixteenth  North  Carolina,  after  getting  within  three-rjuartersof  a  mile 
of  the  point  where  the  battle  opened  Sunday  morning,  was  directed  to 
report  to  General  Stuart,  who  took  him  to  some  point  in  rear  of  the 
enemy,  where  he  attacked  a  camp  and  routed  them,  when  he  rejoined 
me,  at  three  o'clock,  A.  M.,  only  about  two  hours  before  the  fight 
opened,  having  been  marching  all  day  and  night. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

W.  D.  PENDER,  Brigadier  General. 


gr 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  THOMAS. 

Headquarters  Thomas'  Brigade,  > 
May  19<A,  1863.  5 

Captain  R.  H   Finney,  A.  A.  G. : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  this  brigade  was  ordered 
by  Major  General  Hill,  on  the  morning  of  May  2d,  to  leave  its  posi- 
tion near  Chancellorsville,  on  the  right  of  the  plank  road  from  Fred- 
ericksburg to  Gordonsville,  and  move  with  the  division.  In  accord- 
ance with  which  order,  we  moved  with  the  division  a  few  miles,  when 
a  message  was  received  that^the  enemy  had  attacked  and  were  threat- 
ening to  capture  the  artillery  and  wagon  train  of  the  division,  near 
the  foundry.  One  regiment  was  at  first  sent,  but  the  danger  being 
reported  to  be  most  imminent,  afterwards,  the  whole  brigade,  with 
General  Archer's  brigade,  returned  and  remained  until  the  train  had 
passed  and  the  demonstrations  of  the  enemy  had  ceased;  when  we 
moved  on  to  overtake  the  division,  which  we  did  about  eleven  o'clock 
at  night.  The  brigade  was  placed  in  position  by  General  Heth,  com- 
manding division,  on  the^xtreme  left  and  front,  on  the  left  of  the 
plank  road  leading  to  rredericksburg,  and  near  Chancellorsville, 
where  we  remained  until  daylight.  At  an  early  hour  on  Sunday 
morning,  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  advance  and  attack  the  enemy. 
We  advanced  at  once,  driving  a  very  heavy  force  of  skirmishers 
before  us.  After  proceeding  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  we 
found  the  enemy  in  strong  force  in  our  front,  behind  breastworks. 
The  brigade  charged  with  promptness  and  energy,  and  at  the  first 
charge,  drove  the  enemy,  utterly  routed,  from  their  entrenched  posi- 
tion. Advancing  still  further,  we  found  a  second  line  of  the  enemy, 
which  we  at  once  drove  from  its  position.  Thi3  brigade  and  one  regi- 
ment from  the  brigade  on  our  right,  General  Pender's,  continuing  to 
advance,  driving  the  enemy  before  us,  met  another  line  of  the  enemy. 
After  a  sharp  conflict,  this  line  was  repulsed.  At  this  point,  finding 
that  there  were  no  troops  on  my  left,  and  none  in  supporting  distance 
on  my  right  or  rear,  and  the  enemy  were  advancing  in  very  heavy 
force  on  my  left  flank,  and  making  demonstrations  on  my  right,  I 
ordered  the  brigade  to  move  back,  and  took  position  near  the  line  of 
the  enemy's  breastworks,  where  we  remained  until  the  whole  line 
advanced. 

When  the  enemy  had  been  driven  back  at  every  point,  the  brigade, 
according  to  orders,  rejoned  the  rest  of  the  division. 

I  take  pleasure  in  reporting  that  Colonel  R.  W.  Folsom,  fourteenth 
Georgia;  Lieutenant  W.  L.  Grice,  forty-fifth  Georgia;  Major  S.  T. 
Player,  forty-ninth  Georgia,  and  Captain  John  Duke,  thirty-fifth 
Georgia,  commanded  their  respective  regiments  with  marked  success. 
All  the  officers  and  men  of  my  command,  who  were  present,  acted 
with  the  utmost  coolness  and  the  most  daring  courage  before  the 
enemy. 


55 

I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of  several  valuable  officers.  Captain  Har- 
man,  fourteenth  Georgia,  and  Captain  Shaw,  forty-fifth  Georgia,  were 
killed,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fielder,  Captain  Hounger,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Solomons  fell  mortally  wounded,  in  a  few  yards  of  the  enemy's 
breastworks,  gallantly  leading  their  men  to  the  charge. 
Respectfullv,  your  obedient  servant, 

F  '  EDWARD  L.  THOMAS, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ARCHER. 

Headquarters  Archer's  Brigade,  ) 
June  2nd,  1863.  > 

Captain  R.  H.  Finney,  A.  A.  G. : 

Cattain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  about  eleven  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  May  2nd,  by  order  of  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill,  I  withdrew  my 
brigade  from  its  advanced  position  on  the  "plank  roa  1,"  leaving  my 
pickets  out  to  wait  until  relieved,  and  proceeded  to  follow  the  other 
brigades  of  the  division,  -which,  with  the  exception  of  Thomas',  had 
gone  to  the  left,  by  the  Welford  furnance  road.  Thomas'  brigade 
followed  in  my  rear.  When  I  had  advanced  two  miles  beyond  the 
furnance,  a  lieutennant  colonel  of  cavalry  rode  up  and  reported  that 
a  large  body  of  the  enemy  had  attacked  the  train  in  my  rear  and 
driven  off  the  troops  which  had  been  left  to  protect  it.  As  the  appa- 
rent exigency  of  the  case  allowed  no  time  to  communicate  with  the 
Major  General,  I  immediately  ordered  back  my  own  and  Thomas* 
brigade  ;  but,  when  I  arrived  at  the  furnance,  found  that  the  enemy 
had  already  been  repulsed  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Brown,  of  the  artil- 
lery, and  some  infantry,  among  which,  I  learned  that  Captain  W.  S. 
Moore,  Fourteenth  Tennessee  regiment,  with  his  company,  bore  a 
conspicuous  part.  I  enclose,  herewith,  Captain  Moore's  report. 
Owing  to  the  delay  thus  occasioned,  I  did  not  rejoin  the  division  un- 
til late  at  night.  During  the  night  I  formed  on  the  extreme  right  of 
the  division,  with  General  McGowan's  brigade  on  my  left.  The  next 
morning,  about  sunrise.we  moved  forward  to  the  attack,  through  dense 
pine  timber,  driving  before  us  the  enemy's  skirmishers  and,  at  a  dis- 
tance of  four  hundred  yards,  emerging  into  the  open  field  in  front  of 
a  battery,  which  was  placed  on  an  abrupt  hill  near  a  spring-house. 
We  advanced  at  double  quick,  and  captured  four  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  about  one  hundred  prisoners,  driving  the  infantry  supports  in 
cenfusion  before  us.  From  this  position,  the  enemy  could  be  seen  in 
heavy  force  in  the  woods,  which  commenced  about  six  hundred  yards 
diagonally  to  the  right,  and  front,  and  in  the  high  open  ground  to  the 
fiont.  No  other  troops  of  our  army  were,  at  this  time,  in  sight  of 
us.  After  a  few  minutes  halt  to  reform  our  line,  which  had  become 
somewhat  broken  by  its  rapid  advance  through  the  woods,  I  proceeded 
to  attack  the  wood,  which  I  have  mentioned  as  lying  diagonally  to  the 
front  and  right.  My  brigade,  which  was  at  the  beginning  only  one 
thousand  four  hundred  strong,  and  entirely  unsupported,  attacked 
with  great  intrepidity ;  but  the  position  was  strongly  entrenched,  and 
manned  by  vastly  greater  numbers,  and  we  were  forced  to  retire  from 
within  seventy  yards  of  the  entrenchments.  We  again  formed  and 
advanced  to  the  attack,  and  were  again  forced  to  retire.  I  now  moved 
my  brigade  to  the  point  where  we  had  captured  the  batteries,  to  await 
the  arrival  of  reinforcements. 

Soon  after.  Major  Pegram  came  up  and  occupied  the  position  with 


57 

artillery.  Colonel  Mercer  came  up  on  the  left  with  three  regiments 
of  Dole's  brigade,  and  General  Anderson  came  up  from  the  rear,  on 
my  right,  with  his  division.  He  soon  after  moved  to  the  right,  leav- 
ing me  in  support  of  the  artillery,  which  had  opened  a  heavy  and 
effective  fire  upon  the  enemy,  which  was  hotly  returned,  although 
with  little  effect.  In  a  few  minutes,  General  Leo  rode  up,  and  eoon 
directed  me  to  move  forward  with  my  own  brigade  and  the  three  regi- 
ments of  Doles',  which  were  under  command  of  Colonel  Mercer. 
After  advancing  four  or  five  hundred  yards  Colonel  Mercer  requested 
a  short  halt  until  the  ammunition,  which  had  just  arrived,  could  be 
distributed  to  his  regiments.  During  this  halt  I  received  an  order, 
through  one  of  General  Stuart's  stuff,  not  to  advance  further  until  I 
received  the  order  from  him,  but  other  troops  coming  up  on  Colonel 
Mercer's  left  and  on  my  right,  I  moved  slowly  forward,  and  soon 
came,  on  ascending  the  hill  in  front  of  Chancellcrsville,  in  full  view 
and  range  of  the  enemy's  cannon  which  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  us. 
About  half  of  my  brigade  had  by  this  time,  in  its  advance,  entered 
the  woods,  having  swung  around  slightly  to  the  right  for  this  pur- 
pose; the  left  regiment  of  Doles'  brigade,  which  was  to  the  left  of 
the  centre  of  the  enemy's  artillery  fire,  and  all  that  portion  of  the 
line  on  its  left  ( I  do  not  know  what  troops  they  were)  moved  over  by 
flank  to  the  left.  As  soon  as  I  observed  this  movement  I  rode  across 
the  field  to  bring  them  back,  but  when  I  reached  the  plank  road  I 
found  they  had  crossed  it  and  entered  the  wood  on  its  left.  I  then  rode 
back  across  the  field  under  the  fire  of  the  artillery  to  the  point  where 
my  brigade  had  entered  the  wood.  On  account  of  the  denseness  of 
the  tangled  thicket,  and  the  number  of  men  of  other  brigades,  I  did 
not  for  some  time  find  my  own,  and  feared  that  it  had  fallen  back, 
but  was  gratified  to  find  that  all  its  little  regiments  had  moved  promptly 
forward  and  driven  the  enemy  from  that  part  of  their  trenches  fur- 
therest  to  the  left  and  nearest  to  Chancellor's  house.  All  firing 
ceased  a  short  time  after  I  entered  the  wood.  I  soon  after  found  the 
brigade  in  the  open  field  and  joined  the  division  on  the  plank  road. 
The  next  day  the  division  fortified  its  position  on  the  left  of  the  plank 
road  fronting  the  United  States  ford.  General  Pender,  in  command 
of  the  division,  being  wounded  in  the  evening,  the  command  of  the 
division  devolved  on  me,  and  that  of  the  brigade,  on  Colonel  Fry  for 
a  short  time,  during  which  nothing  important  occurcd  except  some 
skirmishing  in  front. 

My  loss  in  this  action  was  forty-one  killed  and  three  hundred  and 
seventeen  wounded.  Among  the  former,  was  Major  *vmith,  thirteenth 
Alabama  regiment,  and  Captain  Steward,  commanding  fifth  Alabama 
battalion,  and  among  the  latter,  Colonel  McComb,  fourteenth  Ten- 
nessee regimen*,  severely.  My  A.  A.  G^eral,  Captain  Archer,  and 
aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant  Thomas,  were  present  with  the  biigade 
throughout  the  action. 

1  take  this  occasion  to  acknowledge  the  gallant  and  efficient  service 
of  Mr.  J.  A.  Williams,  of  Maryland,  a  volunteer  aid  en  my  staff. 
The  regiments  were  commanded  as  follows  :  First  Tennessee  Lieut. 
Colonel  George,  thirteenth  Alabama  Colonel  Fry,  fourteenth   Ten- 


58 

nessee  Colonel  McComb,  until  wounded,  and  afterwards  by  Captain 
Wilson,    seventh  Tennessee  by  Lieutenant  Colonel   Fite,    and   fifth 
Alabama  battalion  by  Captain  Stewart. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  J.  ARCHER, 
Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  LANE. 

Headquarters  Lane's  Brigade,      > 
"  Camp  Gregg;'  May  10,  1S63.  J 
Captain  R.  H.  Finnet,  A.  A.  G.  : 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st  of  May,  my  brigade  moved  from  its  po- 
sition in  the  fecond  line,  r.ear  Hamilton's  Crossing,  along  the  plank 
road,  in  the  direction  of  Chancellorsvillc,  and  that  night  formed  line 
of  battle,  with  skirmishers  thrown  forward,  to  the  right  of  the  road, 
about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  latter  place.  Next  morning,  after 
the  artillery  fight  on  our  right,  it  was  marched  to  the  plank  road  above 
Chancellorsvillc,  by  the  way  of  Welford's  iron  forge,  and  then  ordered  to 
move  down  the  road  by  the  flank,  while  the  three  lines  of  battle  ad- 
vanced. After  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  were  rapidly  falling 
back,  it  pushed  forward  with  the  artillery  beyond  the  third  and  second 
lines  to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  first.  Here  Gen.  A.  P.  Hill  ordered 
me  (at  dark)  to  deploy  one  regiment  as  skirmishers  across  the  road, 
to  form  line  of  battle  in  rear  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  and  to  push 
vigorously  forward.  In  other  words,  we  were  ordered  to  make  a  night 
attack,  and  capture  the  enemy's  batteries  in  front,  if  possible.  Just 
then  they  opened  a  terrific  artillery  fire,. which  was  responded  to  by 
our  batteries.  As  soon  as  this  was  over,  I  deployed  the  thirty-third 
North  Carolina  troops  forward  as  skirmishers,  and  formed  line  of  bat- 
tle to  the  rear — the  seventh  and  thirty-seventh  to  the  right,  the 
eighteenth  and  twenty-eighth  to  the  left — the  left  of  the  thirty-seventh 
and  right  of  the  eighteenth  resting  on  the  road.  I  had  moved  for- 
ward the  eighteenth  and  twenty-eighth  to  withing  a  short  distance  of 
pur  line  of  skirmishers,  and  was  about  to  move  the  seventh  and  thirty- 
Seventh  to  a  corresponding  position  before  ordering  the  whole  line 
forward,  when  Lieut.  Col.  Smith,  of  a  Pennsylvania  regiment,  entered 
our  lines  with  a  white  flag,  and  wished  to  know  if  we  were  Qmftde- 
rate  or  Union  troops.  Considering  this  an  illegitimate  use  of  the 
white  Aug.  as  he  expressly  stated  it  was  not  Ms  object  to  surrcntbr,  and 
not  wishing  to  let  him  return,  I  sent  Lieutenant  Lane  to  General  A.  P. 
Hill  to  know  what  I  should  do.  Our  skirmishers  on  the  right  soon  after 
fired  upon  a  few  of  the  enemy  who  had  approached  tolerably  near, 
and  a  few  random  shots  were  fired  by  the  seventh  and  thirty-seventh  re- 
giments, without  orders,  which  appears  to  have  drawn  theenemy's  ar- 
tillery and  infantry  fire.  I  understand  from  the  official  report  of  the 
commanding  officer  of  the  eighteenth  North  Carolina  troopi,  thnt  Gen. 
A.  P.  Hill,  staff  and  couriers  were  in  the  road  in  advance  of  them  at 
the  time,  and  to  avoid  the  enemy's  fire  some  of  them  dashed  into  the 
woods,  over  the  eighteenth  regiment,  which  fired  into  them,  mistaking 
them  in  the  dark  for  the  enemy's  cavalry.  After  this  unfortunate  mis- 
take, I  received  information  that  a  body  of  troops  was  moving  on  our 
right.  I  at  once  sent  out  Lieut.  Eraack  and  four  men  to  reconnoitre, 
and  they  Foon  returned  with  a  Pennsylvania  regiment,  which  had 
thrown  down  their  arms,  and  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of 
war.     This  regiment  was  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Smith,  who  had 


60 

commenced  to  remonstrate  with  me  for  allowing  it  to  be  captured  while 
he  was  in  my  lines  with  a  white  flag,  when  the  enemy's  artillery  opened 
upon  us  again.  I  at  once  sent  the  regiment  to  the  rear  under  Captain 
Yotftag,  his  company  having  been  detailed  as  a  guard,  and  turned 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Smith  over  to  Captain  Adams,  signal  officer,  to 
be  taken  to  General  A.  P.  Hill.  General  A.  P.  Hill  being  wounded, 
the  night  attack  was  not  made  as  at  first  contemplated.  I  withdrew 
the  left  wing  of  the  thirty-third,  which  formed  on  the  right  of  the 
seventh,  and  extended  our  line  still  further  to  the  right,  with  tho 
eighteenth  and  twenty- eighth  regiments — the  .right  of  the  twenty- 
eighth  resting  on  a  road  running  obliquely  to  the  plank  road,  with 
two  of  its  companies  broken  back  to  guard  against  a  flank  movement. 
Between  twelve  and  one  o'clock  that  night,  the  enemy  could  be  heard 
marshaling  their  troops  along  our  whole  front,  while  their  arrillery 
was  rumbling  up  the  road  on  our  right.  Soon  after,  their  artillery 
opened  tight  and  left,  and  Sickles'  command  rushed  upon  us  with  loud 
and  prolonged  cheering.  They  were  driven  back  on  the  left  by  our 
skirmishers,  but  the  fight  was  more  stubborn  on  the  right,  ivhich  was 
their  main  point  of  attrek.  The  eighteenth  and  twenty-eighth  and  left 
wing  of  the  thirty-third  engaged  them  there,  and  gallantly  drove 
them  back,  although  they  had  outflanked  us  and  encountered  the  two 
right  companies  of  the  twenty-eighth,  which  had  been  deflected  in 
anticipation  of  such  a  movement.  A  subsequent  attack  made  about 
half  an  hour  later,  was  similarly  repulsed.  The  twenty-eighth  cap- 
tured a  staff  officer.  The  colors  of  the  third  Maine  volunteers  were 
taken  by  Captain  Clarke's  company  .of  the  same  regiment.  The 
eighteenth  also  captured  an  aid  to  General  Williams.  A  number  of 
field  and  company  officers,  and  a  large  number  of  men  were  captured 
along  our -whole  line.  After  the  enemy  were  repulsed,  General  Mc- 
Gowan  was  ordered  forward  with  his  brigade,  and  took  position  on  our 
right. 

On  Sunday  morning,  about  sunrise,  the  whole  brigade  was  wheeled 
a  little  to  the  left,  Vhat  the  line  might  be  perpendicular  to  the  plank 
road,  and  then,  in  obedience  to  orders,  moved  gallantly  forward  with 
shouts,  driving  in  the  enemy's  skirmishers,  and  handsomely  charging 
and  carrying  their  breastworks.  The  left  of  the  thirty-seventh  passed 
entirely  over  the  works,  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners;  and  the 
gallant  old  seventh  eclipsed  all  of  its  former  glories.  These  works  were 
on  a  hill,  commanded  by  the  Chancellorsville  hill,  which  was  fortified 
with  a  line  of  earthworks  for  twenty-eight  (28)  pieces  of  artillery, 
running  nearly  parallel  to  our  position,  and  between  four  hundred  and 
five  hundred  yards  distant,  with  a  stream  of  water  intervening.  As 
soon  as  we  had  dislodged  their  infantry,  these  guns,  with  others,  opened 
a  murderous  fire  of  shell,  grape  and  canister  upon  us,  a  fresh 
column  of  their  infantry  was  thrown  against  us,  and  with  our 
right  flank  completely  turned,  we  were  forced  to  fall  back,  with  the 
loss  of  about  one-third  of  the  command.  The  twenty-eighth  regiment, 
commanded  by  its  gallant  young  Colonel,  (Lowe.)  fell  back  a  few 
hundred  yards,  and  was  ordered  to  give  assistance  wherever  needed, 
while  I  superintended  the  reforming  of  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  still 


Gl 

further  to  the  rear.  Colonel  Lowe  informs  me  that  the  twenty-eighth 
behaved  well  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  day  ;  that  it  made  two 
more  charges  under  heavy  artillery  firing,  and  was  led  in  each  by 
Major  General  Stuart.  As  soon  as  the  rest  of  the  brigade  was  re- 
formed, and  replenished  with  ammunition,  they  were  taken  back  into 
the  woods,  to  the  left  of  the  plank  road,  to  the  support  of  General 
Colquitt's  command  which  was  then  nearly  out  of  ammunition. 
The  woods  which  we  entered  were  on  fire;  the  heat  was  excessive; 
the  smoke  arising  from  burning  blankets,  oil  cloths,  &c,  very  offen- 
sive ;  the  dead  and  dyidg  of  the  enemy  could  be  seen  on  all  sides 
enveloped  in  llames;  'and  the  ground  on  which  we  formed  was  s  i  hot 
as  at  first  to  be  disagreeable  to  our  feet.  Nothing  daunted,  however, 
the  men  took  their  positions  without  a  murmur,  and  notwithatanding 
their  previous  hard  marching,  desperate  fighting  and  sleepless  nights, 
remained  u'sder  arms  again  the  whole  of  Sunday  night,  in  the  front 
line,  while  heavy  skirmishing  was  going  on.  Never  have  I  seen  men 
fight  inure  gallantly,  and  bear  fatigue  and  hardship  more  cheerfully. 
I  shall  always  feel  proud  of  the  nohle  bearing  of  my  brigade  in  the 
battle  of  Chaneell orsville,  the  bloodiest  in  which  it  has  ever  taken  a 
part — where  the  thirty-third  discharged  its  duties  so  well  as  skirm- 
ishers and.  with  the  eighteenth  and  twenty  eighth,  gallantly  repulsed 
two  night  attacks  made  by  vastly  superior  numbers,  and  where  the 
seventh  and  thirty-seventh  vied  with  each  other  as  to  who  should  first 
drive  the  vandals  from  their  works.  Its  gallantry  has  cost  it  many 
noble  sacrifices,  and  we  are  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  some  of 
our  bravest  spirits.  The  fearless  Perdie  wis  killed  while  urging  for- 
ward his  men  ;  the  gentle,  but  gallant,  Hill  after  the  works  had  been 
taken  ;  and  .Johnnie  Young,  a  mere  boy,  not  yet  eighteen,  but  a  brave 
and  efficient  captain,  fell  at  the  head  of  his  company.  Captain  Kerr, 
Lieutenants  Campbell,  Bolick,  Emack,  Weaver,  Bouchclle,  l>abb, 
C  alia  is  and  Ragin  all  fell  in  the  gallant  discharge  of  their  duties,  as 
also  did  J  lioarker  Lane,  of  company  E,  fifth  Virginia  cavalry,  who 
at  the  time  was  actirg  as  my  volunteer  aid.  I  cannot  speak  in  too 
high  terms  of  the  behavior  of  the  officers  of  this  brigade.  Colonel 
Barbour,  though  wounded,  was  from  time  to  time  with  his  command, 
giving  all  the  assistance  he  could.  Major  Morris,  wounded  in  the 
foot,  left  the  hospital  on  horseback  and  assisted  in  reforming  his  regi- 
ment. Major  Mayhew,  after  the  left  wing  of  the  thirty-third  was 
withdrawn  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cowan  wounded,  gallantly 
commanded  the  skirmishers  in  the  night  attack,  was  wounded  in  the 
charge  the  n-.xt  day,  and  is  now  thought  to  be  in  the  hands  of  the 
enemy  Lieutenant  Cclonel  Spear  was  wounded  in  one  of  the  night 
attacks,  and  Colonels  Avery  and  Haywood,  Lieutenant  Colon*  Is 
George  and  Ashcrolt,  and  Major  Davidson  in  the  charge  Sunday 
morning  After  the  loss  of  bo  many  field  officers,  Major  Barry  and 
Captains  Harris,  Saunders,  Brown  and  Nicholson  rendered  me  great 
assistance  Captain  Saunders,  in  bis  official  report,  ca'ls  Bp 
attention  to  the  efficiency  of  Lieutenants  E  Price  and  J.  L.  Farrow 
of  the  thirty -third  regiment.  Lieutenant  Bryan,  ordnance  officer, 
and  Lieutenant  Nicholson,  brigade  inspector,  discharged  their  duties 


62 

well,  though  the  latter  had  but  few  "  stragglers''  and  no  "  skulkers" 
to  drive  forward  that  1  have  yet  heard  of.  I  am  specially  indebted  to 
my  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant  0.  Lane,'  and  to  one  of  my  couriers, 
George  E.  Barringer,  for  the  great  assistance  rendered  me.  They 
both  bore  themselves  well  under  the  hottest  fires.  My  other  courier 
was  a  poltroon  and  has  been  sent  back  to  his  regiment.  The  brigade 
loss  is  twelve  commissioned  officers  killed,  fifty-nine  wounded,  and 
one  missing  ;  one  hundred  and  forty-nine  enlisted  men  killed,  five 
hundred  and  sixty-seven  wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-one 
missing,  making  an  aggregate  of  nine  hundred  and  nine. 

Respectfully, 

JAMES  H.  LANE, 
Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  DOLES. 

Headquarters  Dolfs'  Brigade,  Rodes'  Division,  ) 
Second  Army  Corps,  May  9,   1863.      ) 

Captain  Green  Petton,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Captain  :  On  the  morning  of  the  29th  of  April  this  brigade  was 
ordered  to  match  in  the  direction  of  Hamilton's  Crossing.  The  com- 
mand was  in  motion  by  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  ;  arrived  at  the  crossipg 
at  ten,  A.  M.  ;  remained  in  position,  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  at  the 
Hamilton  house,  until  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  30th  ;  then  moved  in  posi- 
tion, left  of  brigade  resting  on  railroad,  connecting  with  right  of  Gen. 
Iverson's  brigade,  and  connecting  the  right  with  left  of1  General  Col- 
quitt's brigade;  remained  in  this  position  during  the  day  and  night. 
At  two  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  May  1st,  marched  towards  Orange 
Court-House  plank  road.  About  one  o'clock,  P.  M.f  formed  line  of 
battle  on  the  plank  road,  about  two  miles  from  Todd's  tavern  ;  threw 
out  skirmishers,  driving  back  those  of  the  enemy,  and  took  six  pris- 
oners. About  six.  P.  M.,  same  day,  moved  up  the  dirt  road,  on© 
mile  beyond  Todd's  tavern,  and  bivouacked  for  tho  night.  About 
six  o'clock,  A.  M.,  May  2nd,  moved  up  the  dirt  road  about  half  a 
mile,  filed  off  to  the  left  on  the  furnace  road,  arriving  at  Germana 
road  about  three  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  formed  line«of  battle, 
left  of  brigade  resting  on  said  road.  Brigade  formed  as  follows  : 
fourth,  forty-fourth,  twenty-first  and  twelfth  Georgia ;  the  fourth 
Georgia  resting  on  road,  skirmishers  thrown  forward  about  four  hun- 
dred yards  in  advance.  At  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  order  was  given 
to  advance  against  the  enemy.  The  brigade  moved  as  rapidly  as 
possible  through  a  very  dflck  wood,  and  skirmishers  were  imme- 
diately engaged  by  those  of  tho  euemy.  Our  forces,  marching 
rapidly  forward,  assisted  in  driving  in  the  enemy's  sharpshooters, 
when  we  were  subjected  to  a  very  heavy  musket  fire,  and  grape, 
canister  and  shell.  The  command  was  ordered  to  attack  the  enemy 
in  his  entrenched  position,  drive  him  from  it,  and  take  his  batteries. 
The  order  was  promptly  obeyed  ;  the  fourth  and  forty-fourth  Georgia 
assaulted  his  position  in  front;  the  twenty-first  Georgia  was  ordered 
to  move  towards  the  left  and  flank  him,  so  as  to  enfilade  his  entrench- 
ments ;  the  twelfth  Georgia  was  ordered  forward,  and  to  the  right,  to 
attack  a  force  of  the  enemy  on  the  right.  After  a  resistance  of 
about  ten  minutes,  we  drove  him  from  his  positions  on  the  left  and 
carried  his  battery  of  two  guns,  caissons  and  horses.  The  movement 
of  the  twelfth  Georgia  on  the  right  was  successful.  The  order  to 
forward  was  given,  when  the  command  moved  forward  at  the  "  double 
quick"  to  assault  the  enemy,  who  had  taken  up  a  strong  position  on 
the  crest  of  a  hill,  in  the  open  field.  He  was  soon  driven  from  this 
position,  .the  command  pursuing  him.  He  made  a  stubborn  resist- 
ance from  behind  a  wattling  fence,  on  a  hill  covered  thickly  with 
pine.     The  whole  command  moved  gallantly  against  this  position,  tho 


64 

fourth  and  forty-fourth  Georgia  in  front,  and  the  twenty-firsthand 
twelfth  on  his  left  flank  and  rear.     Here    we  captured  one  gun,  a 
rifled  pi  ;ce.)     We  pursued  his  retreating  forces  about  three  hundred 
yards  over  an  open  field,  receiving  a  very  severe  fire  from  musketry 
and  a  battery  of  four  pieces  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  that  commande 
the  field  below  ;  his  infantry  was  in  large  force  and  w<  11  protected  by 
rifle  pits  and  entrenchments.     The  command  was  ordered  to   "  take  " 
the  entrenchments  and  the  battery,  which  was  done  after  a  resistance 
of  about  twenty  minutes.     The  enemy  fled  in  utter  confusion,  leaving 
his  battery  of  four  pieces,  his  wounded  and  many  prisoners.     The 
twelfth  Georgia,  and  the  larger  portion  of  the  other   regiments,  was 
formed  in   good  order   and   pursued   him    through    the  pine  forest, 
moving  some  five  hundred  yards  to  the  front  and  holding  that  position 
until  after  dark.     While  in  this  advanced  pos  tion  the  enemy  aban- 
doned one  gun.     Fresh  troops  having  been   placed  in  that  position, 
after  dark  I  ordered  the  command  to  retire  to  the  edge  of  the  woo  13 
for  the  purpose  of  replenishing  ammunition,  the  men   being  entirely 
out,  and    it    being    impossible    to    get   ammunition  to  them.      After 
replenishing  with   ammunition,  we  were  ordered  to  bivouac   on   the 
field  for  the  night.     Daring  this  engagement,  which  lasted  from  about 
five  and  a  half  to  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  command  captured  eight 
pieces  of  artillery  and  many  prisoners.     The  pieces  of  artillery  were 
ordered  to  be  carried  to  the  rear,  and  turned  over  to  the  first  artillery 
or  ordnance  officer  found.     In   this  engagement  we  lost  many  gallant 
men  killed  and  wounded.     Among  the  killed    were   Captain  R.   M. 
Bisel,  company  K,  fourth  Georgia  ;   Captain  G.  G.  Green,  company 
F  ;   Captain  H.   M.  Creidle  and   Lieutenant   A.  M.  Burnside,  acting 
adjutant,  of   the    forty  fourth    Georgia,  and    Captain    U.   C.    Allen, 
twenty-first  Georgia,  who  fell  while  gallantly  and  noblj  leading  their 
commands        Colonel    Philip    Cook,    fourth    Georgia,    severely,    and 
Captain   A.  C.  Watkins,  company   A,  t«nty-first   Georgia,  mortally 
wounded   while   leading    their    commands    in  a  charge    against    the 
enemy.     Sunday  morning,  May  3rd,  at  six  o'clock,  the  command  was 
ordered    forward,     as    follows :     forty-fourth,     twenty-first,    twelfth, 
fourth,  the  left  of  the  forty-fourth  connecting  with  the  right  of  Gen- 
eral Ramseur's  brigade.     The  march  to  the  front  was  through  a  very 
dense  pine  and  swamp.     During  the  march   the  left  of  the  brigade 
lost  its  connection  with  the  right  of  General  Ramseur  and  moved  off 
by  the  "  right  flank,"  passing  in   rear  of  the   regiments  to  its  right, 
whilst  four  companies  of   the  twenty-first  Georgia  and  the  twelfth 
Georgia,  with  portions  of  the  forty-fourth    and   fourth,  moved  to  the 
front.     The   right  portion  of   the  brigade  was    ordered  by  General 
Stuart  to  support  a  battery  to  its  right,  while  the  left  moved  forward, 
assaulting  the  enemy  and  assisting  in  driving  him   from   his  position 
from  behind  a  strong  work  of  logs.     He  was  dislodged,  after  a  very 
stubborn  resistance,  by  a  charge.     This  portion  of  the  command  kept 
up  the  pursuit,  driving  him  through  the  woods,  back  on  his  batteries 
on  the  heights  near  Chancellorsville.     While  moving  to  assault  him, 
in  his  position  on  the  hill,  I  discovered  the   enemy   in  large   force  to 
my  right.     Colonel  Willis,  commanding  twelfth  Georgia,  was  ordered 


65 

to  wheel  his  regiment  to  the  right  and  engage  him,  the  other  compa- 
nies coming  up  promptly  to  Colonel  Willis'  support.  The  enemy, 
after  the  first  fire,  fled.  A  large  number  threw  down  their  arms  and 
surrendered;  they  were  ordered  to  the  rear.  Being  protected  by  the 
crest  of  a  hill  to  the  left  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  we  moved  by  the 
flank,  getting  in  his  rear,  when  he  abandoned  seven  pieces  of  artillery 
on  the  field  and  fled.  We  were  attacked  in  our  rear  by  his  infantry 
force  from  the  woods  ;  we  faced  to  the  rear,  charged  the  wood,  and 
after  a  few  minutes  resistance,  he  withdrew.  After  he  withdrew,  his 
batteries  at  the  Chancellorsville  house  opened  a  very  destructive  fire 
on  us  with  grape,  canister  and  shrapnel.  We  were  in  about  four 
hundred  yards  of  his  batteries.  We  did  not  have  force  enough  to 
carry  his  position,  and  seeing  no  support  on  the  field,  aad  the  enemy 
moving  a  large  infantry  force  to  our  right,  we  withdrew  to  the  woods 
where  we  first  engaged  him.  That  portion  of  the  brigade  ordered  to 
3upport  our  battery  was  under  command  of  Colonel  J.  T.  Mercer, 
twenty-first  Georgia  ;  they  were  afterwards  ordered  forward,  and  to> 
conform  to  the  movements  of  General  Archer's  brigade.  After  ad- 
vancing to  the  W)ods,  from  which  we  were  forced  to  retire,  they  were 
also  forced  to  retire.  The  brigade  was  reformed  and,  by  order  from 
General  Lee,  ordered  to  the  spring  to  our  right,  to  act  as  provost 
guard  over  a  large  number  of  prisoners  collected  there.  We  re- 
mained there  two  or  three  hours,  and  sent  prisoners  to  the  rear  under 
Lieutenant  R.  V.  Jones,  brigade  inspector.  We  then  joined  the 
division  on  the  Germana  road  at  Chancellorsville,  and  remained  in 
position  in  the  road  that  night.  On  Monday,  the  4th,  we  were 
ordered  to  move  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  road  and  connect  my  left 
with  the  right  of  General  Pender.  On  Tuesday,  the  5th,  the  skirm- 
ishers were  ordered  to  press  forward  and  feel  the  enemy,  and  ascertain^ 
his  position  and  strength.  They  found  him  in  strong  numbers  and 
well  entrenched.  On  Wednesday,  the  6th,  at  daylight,  skirmishers- 
were  again  ordered  to  feel  the  enemy.  They  moved  to  the  front  and 
found  he  had  evacuated  his  position  and  withdrawn  his  forces  across 
the  river.  About  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  were  ordered  to  march  back 
to  our  old  encampment.  In  closing  this  report,  I  cannot  speak  in 
terms  too  high  of  Colonel  Cook  and  Lieutenant  Winn,  of  the  fourth 
Georgia;  Colonel  Willis  and  Major  Hardeman,  of  the  twelfth  Geor- 
gia; Lieutenant  Colonel  Lumpkin,  forty-fourth  Georgia;  Cofoneh 
Mercer  and  Major  Glover,  twenty-first  Georgia.  To  their  promptness 
and  gallantry,  and  the  able  manner  in  which  they  were  sustained  by 
the  officers  and  men  of  their  commands,  all  of  whom  did  their  whole 
duty,  I  acknowledge  my  indebtedness.  Attention  is  respectfully 
called  to  their  reports,  which  you  will  find  enclosed.  •  To  my  staff, 
Captain  Snead,  assistant  adjutant  general ;  Lieutenant  Hawkins,  aid- 
de-camp;  Lieutenant  Jones,  brigade  inspector;  Sergeant  Furlow  and 
privates  Cheeves  and  Ormsby,  couriers,  I  am  under  many  obligations 
for  assistance  given  me.  I  respectfully  commend  them  for  "  gal- 
lantry and  meritorious  conduct."  This  brigade  went  into  action 
with  one  hundred  and  twenty-six  officers  and  one  thousand  four  hun- 
dred and  sixty-eight  enlisted  men. 
5 


66 


CASUALTIES  IN  BRIGADE. 


Killed. 

"Wounded. 

Missing. 

* 
o 

REGIMENTS. 

Officers. 

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o    . 

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155 

72 

89 

121 

4 

62 

31 

312 

28 

437 

I  am,  Captain,  most  respectfully  yours, 

GEO.  DOLES,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  COLQUITT. 

Heyoquarters  Colquitt's  Brigade,      ) 
Near  Fredericksburg,  May  15,  1863.  ) 

Captain  Peyton  : 

Herewith  I  submit  a  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  brigade  in  the 
recent  engagement  at  Chancellorsville,  and  the  affairs  connected 
with  it. 

On  the  morning  of  April  20th,  intelligence  being  received  that  a 
portion  of  the  Federal  army  had  succeeded  in  crossing  the  river  near 
Fredericksburg,  my  brigade  was  put  under  arms  and  marched  to 
Hamilton's  Crossing.  Under  cover  of  a  fail),  protected  from  the 
enemy's  artillery,  we  lay  during  the  day,  and  at  three  o'clock,  next 
morning,  took  position  upon  a  line  of  temporary  en!-renchments  in 
front  of  the  enemy.  At  intervals,  during  the  day,  a  fire  of  aitillery 
opened  upon  us,  but  without  effect. 

At  dawn,  on  the  morning  of  May  1st,  we  took  up  the  line  of  march, 
and  after  proceeding  six  or  seven  miles  above  Fredericksburg,  came 
upon  a  portion  of  our  forces  who  had  been  engaging  the  enemy.  Dis- 
charges of  artillery  and  musketry  were  still  heard.  The  division 
being  formed  in  line  of  battle,  my  position  was  upon  the  right.  In 
this  order  we  advanced  a  few  hundred  yards,  when  my  command  was 
thrown  into  some  confusion  by  coming  in  contact  with  the  troops  of 
General  McLaw's  command,  formed  perpendicular  to  my  own  line. 
The  line  being  rectified,  we  began  again  to  advance,  when  instructions 
were  received  that  we  should  halt  and  await  future  orders.  The 
skirmishers,  moving  in  advance,  picked  up  fifteen  or  twenty  prisoners. 
At  sundown,  we  were  withdrawn  to  the  plank  road  and  continued  the 
march  for  two  or  three  miles,  when  we  bivouacked  for  the  night. 
Early  the  next  morning  we  were  again  put  in  motion,  my  brigade  in 
front,  and,  turning  to  the  left  from  the  plank  road,  leading  from 
Fredericksburg  to  .Orange  Court-llouse,  it  was  obvious  that  we  were 
aiming  for  the  flank  and  rear  of  the  enemy. 

On  reaching  the  furnace,  a  mile  distant  from  the  point  of  diver  • 
gence,  I  detached,  by  order  of  General  Jackson,  a  regiment,  (the 
twenty-third  Georgia,  Colonel  Best.)  with  instructions  to  guard  the 
flank  of  the  column  in  motion  against  a  surprise,  and  to  call,  if  ne- 
cessary, upon  any  officer  whose  command  was  passing,  for  reninforce- 
ments.  For  the  subsequent  action  and  fate  of  this  regiment,  I  refer 
to  the  accompanping  report  of  Colonel  Best. 

After  a  continuous  march  of  six  miles,  we  again  reached  the  plank 
ro*d,  which  we  had  left.  My  brigade  was  placed  in  ambush  along 
the  line  of  the  road,  with  the  expectation  that  some  demonstration 
would  be  made  by  the  enemy's  cavalry.  In  the  meantime,  the  division 
filed  past,  and  I  closed  in  upon  the  rear.     At  four  o'clock,  we  reached 

the  road   running    through    Chancellorsville    to .     Here  we 

formed  line  of  battle,  my  brigade  upon  the  right,  and  uniting  with 


68 

Doles,  upon  the  left.  In  this  order  we  advanced  for  a  few  hundred 
yards,  when  intelligence  was  communicated  to  me  by  the  skirmishers, 
that  a  body  of  the  enemy  was  upon  my  right  flank.  I  ordered  a  halt, 
and  called  back  the  sixth  Georgia,  which  had  continued  to  advance. 
The  regiment  upon  the  right,  the  nineteenth  Georgia,  was  quickly 
thrown  into  position  to  meet  any  demonstration  upon  the  flank,  and 
ordered  to  advance  about  one  hundred  yards  to  the  summit  of  a  hill. 
The  enemy's  force  proved  to  be  a  small  body  of  cavalry,  which  gal- 
loped away  as  soon  as  the  regiment  advancing  toward  them  was  dis- 
ccvered,  and  a  picket  of  infantry,  which  was  captured  by  my  skir- 
mishers. 

All  apprehension  in  this  quarter  being  allayed,  we  advanced  again 
to  the  front,  to  renew  connection  with  the  line  that  had  proceeded  us. 
As  we  emerged  from  the  woods  into  an  open  field,  I  discovered  Doles' 
brigade  hotly  engaged  with  the  enemy  at  his  first  works  With  a 
shout,  and  at  a  double  quick,  we  moved  to  his  support ;  but,  before  we 
reached  musket  range,  the  enemy  broke  in  confusion  and  fled.  I 
halted  in  the  open  field,  and  brought  up  two  of  my  regiments  which 
had  been  delayed  in  crossing  a  creek,  and  in  climbing  its  steep  banks. 
It  was  near  dark,  and  too  late  for  further  action.  At  ten  o'clock,  I 
relieved  the  brigade  of  General  McGowan,  watching  a  road  leading  to 
one  of  the  enemy's  main  positions,  and  detailed  the  sixth  Georgia 
regiment  to  support  a  battery  in  front.  During  the  night,  the  alarm 
being  given,  my  whole  command  was  moved  to  the  support  of  the 
battery,  and  was  subjected,  at  intervals,  to  a  fierce  artillery  firo 
from  the  enemy. 

Early  the  ensuing  morning  I  took  my  position  in  line  of  battle  on 
the  extreme  right,  and,  in  pursuance  of  orders,  was  advancing  upon 
the  enemy's  position,  when  I  received  orders  to  move  to  the  support 
of  General  Archer,  a  guide  being  furnished  to  direct  me  to  him.  I 
had  proceeded  but  a  short  distance,  when  I  was  ordered  to  repair,  in 
haste,  to  the  extreme  left  of  our  line,  where  the  enemy  threatened  to 
turn  our  flank.  I  had  scarcely  reuched  the  new  position,  when  I  was 
again  ordered  to  the  right,  and  thence  again  to  the  left.  While  our 
forces  were  occupied  in  the  assault  on  Chancellorsville,  the  enemy 
sought  to  assail  them  in  flank,  and  made  desperate  efforts  to  regain 
possession  of  the  turnpike.  It  was  to  defeat  this  object  that  my 
brigade  was  thrown  to  the  left.  Forming  line  of  battle  parallel  to  the 
road,  I  advanced,  in  face  of  a  severe  fire,  to  a  line  of  breastworks 
from  which  the  enemy  had  been  driven.  Here  I  found  the  third  Ala- 
bama, of  Rodes'  brigade,  and  some  Louisiana  and  South  Carolina 
regiments  stubbornly  resisting  his  advance.  They  had  well  nigh  ex- 
hausted their  ammunition.  Upon  my  arrival  they  withdrew,  pro- 
ducing some  confusion  in  rushing  through  my  ranks.  It  was  mo- 
mentary, however.  Advancing  beyond  the  breastworks,  we  opened 
a  furious  and  well  directed  fire  upon  the  enemy.  The  contest  was 
sharp  and  fierce  for  a  few  moments.  I  ordered  a  charge,  which  was 
responded  to  with  a  shout,  at  a  double-quick.  The  enemy  broke 
and  fled  in  confusion,  throwing  away  arms,  accoutrements  and  every 
incumberance.     We  continued  the  pursuit  for  half  a  mile,  killing  and 


69 

capturing  many,  and  driving  the  fugitives  into  their  fortifications  in 
rear  of  Chancellorsville.  Coming  to  a  halt,  we  lay  under  cover  of 
woods  within  four  hundred  yards  of  their  works,  for  four  or  five 
hours.  Some  demonstrations  being  made  upon  my  left,  the  brigade 
of  General  Lane  was  sent  to  my  support.  Previously,  the  fiftieth 
Virginia,  Captain  Matthews,  and  ft  detachment  of  a  South  Carolina 
regiment,  under  Major  Gordon,  had  joined  me  as  reinforcements. 
The  enemy  did  not  show  himself  again  outside  of  his  works.  At 
four  o'clock,  I  was  relieved  by  the  direction  of  Major  General  A.  P. 
Hill,  under  the  command  of  General  Pender.  We  took  position  soon 
after  in  the  trenches  about  Chancellorsville,  where  we  lay  until  or- 
dered back  to  our  camp,  near  Grace  church. 

Colonels  Zachery,  Graybill  and  Hutch  ins,  led  their  regiments  with 
spirit  and  energy.  Captain  Grattan,  assistant  adjutant  general,  and 
Lieutenant  Randle,  aid -d( -camp,  were  indefatigable  in  their  efforts, 
and  conspicuously  bold  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  Mr.  H.  H. 
Colquitt,  acting  upon  my  staff,  bore  himself  with  spirit  and  coolness. 

Especial  credit  is  due  Captain  William  M.  Arnold,  sixth  Georgia 
regiment,  who  commanded  the  battallion  of  skirmishers.  His  energy, 
zeal  and  gallantry,  won  my  admiration. 

A.  II.  COLQUITT, 
Brigadier  General. 

The  names  of  the  following  officers  and  men  are  mentioned  by  their 
regimental  commanders  as  deserving  special  notice  for  meritorious 
conduct : 

Company  A,  sixth  Georgia  regiment. — Coporals  R.  W.  Clarke,  Win. 
Chappell ;  private  W.  G.  Howell. 

Company  D,  twenty-seventh  Georgia  regiment. — Lieutenant  G.  W. 
Latham,  commanding. 

Company  F,  twenty- seventh  Georgia  regiment.— Lieutenant  W.  Y. 
Edwards,  commanding  ;   Sergeant  James  Shirah. 

Company  C,  twenty-seventh  Georgia  regiment. — Sergeant  W.  A. 
Webb;  corporals  S.  C.  Tentrell,  C.  M.  Newbury;  privates  H.  New- 
berry, M.  Merritt,  J.  Murchison,  J.  Haskins,  J.  Wo:  sham,  W.  G. 
Clary  and  Simon  Johnston. 

Company  E,  twenty -seventh  Georgia  regiment. — Privates  A.  L.  Dodd, 
John  J.  Buffington,  G.  M.  Dodd,  James  Lartcr,  Thomas  J.  Horton 
and  A.  J.  Whitaker. 

Company  G,  twenty -stventh  Georgia  regiment. — Privates  T.  J.  Reavis 
and  J.  C.  Curtis. 

Company  H,  twenty-seventh  Georgia  regiment. — Sergeants  J.  B. 
Bryant  and  T.  J.  Duke  ;  coporal  B.  P.  Pryor ;  privates  B.  F.  Nor- 
ris,  G.  W.  Rape,  J.  M.  Lindsay  and  John  II.  Lewis. 

Company  K,  twenty -seventh  Georgia  regiment. — Private  William  Con- 
nell. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  IYERSON. 

Headquarters  Iverson's  Brigade, 
May  \3th,  IS63. 
Captain  G.  Peyton,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Having  rested  on  our  arms  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  third  line  of 
battle,  composed  of  the  troops  of  Rodes'  division,  during  the  night  of 
May  2d.  about  six  o'clock  A.  M.  of  May  3d,  we  advanced  with  the 
whole  line,  one  brigade  of  which  (Rodes')  intervened  between  mine 
and  the  plank  road. 

My  command  was  formed  in  the  following  order,  from  right  to  left: 
Twenty-third  North  Carolina,  twentieth  North  Carolina,  twelfth  North 
Carolina,  and  fifth  North  Carolina. 

The  direction  was  Chancellorsville,  moving  to  the  left  of  and  par- 
allel to  Germana  road.  Advancing  through  the  almost  impenetrable 
undei growth,  subjected  to  the  incessant  artillery  fire  of  the  enemy,  it 
was  impossible  to  see  any  portion  of  the  brigade  over  fifty  yards.  In 
consequence  of  the  difficulty  of  proceeding,  I  soon  received  informa- 
tion from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lea,  commanding  the  fifth  North  Caro- 
lina, that  his  regiment  was  disconnected  from  the  brigade.  Fearing 
that  he  might  get  lost,  and  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  I  sent 
him  word  to  move  by  the  right  flank,  and  then  close  up.  This  ma- 
noeuvre threw  him  in  rear  of  tbe  line,  leaving  the  twelfth  North  Caro- 
lina on  the  left  flank.  Upon  reaching  the  first  barricades  of  the 
enemy,  which  had  been  carried  by  the  first  line  of  our  troops,  a  heavy 
fire  of  artillery  opened  on  my  left,  raking  the  whole  line,  and  the 
skirmishers  of  the  enemy  fired  on  my  left  flank.  I  ordered  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Johnston,  commanding  twelfth  North  Carolina,  to  deploy 
skirmishers  to  protect  his  flank,  and  to  press  on.  At  the  barricades, 
I  met  Generjil  Rodes,  and  informed  him  that  the  enemy  wore  threat- 
ening my  flank.  My  brigade  pressed  .on,  and  found  the  troops  of  the 
first  lines  retiring  before  the  heavy  force  of  the  enemy,  and  we  became 
the  first  line,  engaging  the  enemy  in  front,  who  gradually  retired  be- 
fore us  ;  but  at  this  time  they  were  advancing  in  heavy  force  on  my 
left  flank.  I  dispatched  a  messenger  to  General  Stuart  with  this  in- 
formation,~and  asked  him  for  reinforcements.  Before  any  could  have 
arrived,  they  closed  with  us,  forcing  the  twelfth  and  twentieth  North 
Carolina  to  retire  to  the  barricades.  Colonel  D.  II.  Christie,  with 
five  companies  of  his  regiment,  had  charged  that  part  of  the  enemy's  bat- 
tery resting  on  the  plank  road,  captured  it  by  an  enfilading  fire, 
and  caused  the  abandonment  of  their  guns,  when,  finding  that  he 
was  outflanked  from  the  left,  was  forced  to  retire  after  a  desperate 
fight*  losing  many  men  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  It  is  supposed 
that  Major  Blackwell,  of  the  twenty- third  North  Carolina,  was  cap- 
tured here.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lea,  with  the  fifth  North  Carolina, 
had  come  up  in  the  meantime,  but  had  not  been  engaged  ;  he  reported 
his  regiment  to  me  in  the  centre  of  ray  brigade,  and  was  ordered  to 
sustain  two  regiments  of  Rodes' brigade,  in  an  advanced  position,  but 


71 

finding  the  whole  falling  back,  he  also  retired  to  the  breastworks. 
Finding  the  danger  from  the  forcing  of  our  left  flank  imminent,  and 
the  enemy  still  pressing  on,  I  was  forced  to  give  my  whole  attention 
to  that  point,  and,  in  conjunction  with  General  Thomas,  formed  a  por- 
tion of  a  Louisiana  brigade,  with  two  regiments  of  Rodes'  brigade, 
I  think  the  sixth  and  twelfth  Alabatna,  to  meet  the  attack  of  the  en- 
emy from  the  left.  At  the  same  time  having  learned  that  the  troop? 
with  General  Lee  had  drivea  the  enemy,  and  effected  a  junction  with 
the  right  of  our  corps,  I  announced  the  fact  to  my  brigade,  and  again 
advanced  them  to  the  front.  They  had  gono  but  a  short  distance 
when  the  troops  I  had  formed  on  the  left  became  engaged  with  the 
advancing  line  of  the  enemy.  I  then  communicated  with  Colonel  S. 
B.  Pickens,  commanding  twelfth  Alabama,  whose  gallantry  on  this  oc- 
casion I  cannot  too  highly  commend,  so  completely  and  courageously 
did  he  lend  himself  to  aid  me  in  preparing  the  line  to  resist  an  attack, 
and  ordered  him  to  hold  the  enemy  in  check  till  I  could  procure  rein- 
forcements. The  incessant  stream  of  balls  showed  that  the  enemy 
were  in  force,  and  I  found  that  the  advance  of  my  brigade  was  con- 
tinually checked  by  the  enemy  on  the  left,  enfilading  the  line.  Leav- 
ing the  troops  I  had  placed  in  position,  I  went  out  to  the  plank  road 
for  assistance,  and  observing  troops  in  line  on  the  right  of  the  road, 
I  sent  Captain  J.  F.  Ilalscy  to  them  for  aid.  He  communicated  with 
General  Colston,  who  promptly  moved  a  portion  of  his  command  in 
the  required  direction.  I  saw  General  Stuart,  and  informed  him  of 
the  situation,  and  he  immediately  forwarded  the  brigade  of  General 
Colquitt  to  support  the  left.  Returning  to  watch  the  effect  of  the 
reinforcements,  I  received  a  contusion  in  the  groin  from  a  spent  ball, 
which  made  walking  very  painful,  and  as  the  battle  ceased  shortly 
after,  I  requested  Colonel  Christie  to  take  the  command  of  the  brig- 
ade till  I  could  procure  my  horse.  Upon  joining  the  brigade  in  front, 
I  received  orders  from  General  Rodes  to  move  up  the  plank  road,  and 
take  position  with  my  right  resting  on  the  brick  house  at  Chancellors- 
ville,  where  we  fortified  our  position,  by  the  use  of  bayonets  and 
fingers,  and  remained  subjected  on  several  occasions  to  the  shells 
and  canister  of  the  enemy,  until  Wednesday  evening,  May  6th,  when 
ordered  to  return  to  camp. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  the  enemy  having  retired,  skirmishers 
were  pressed  forward  to  the  river,  capturing  many  prisoners.  When 
a  whole  command  behaved  so  well  as  mine  did,  I  shall  be  obliged  to 
confine  myself,  with  one  exception,  to  the  commendation  of  officers 
commanding  regiments,  leaving  it  to  them  to  name  individuals  distin- 
guished for  conduct.  The  exception  is,  Lieutenant  Malone,  of  the 
fifth  North  Carolina,  upon  whom  I  depended  for  correct  information 
from  the  line  of  skirmishers.  He  was  nearly  always  in  front,  and,  on 
Wednesday  morning,  when  informed  of  my  wish  to  find  out  th«osi- 
tion  of  the  enemy,  crept  forward,  alone,  into  their  entrenchment  and 
brought  me  in  news  of  the  evacuation. 

Colonel  D.  II.  Christie,  for  the  gallant  manner  in  which  he  fought 
his  regiment  at  the  breastworks  of  the  enemy,  deserves  promotion, 
and  I  here  take  occasion  to  recommend  him  for  the  same. 


72 

Colonel  T.  F.  Toon,  twentieth  North  Carolina,  was  wounded  while 
fighting  his  regiment  gallantly  in  the  front  line. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  D.  Johnston,  of  thetwenty-third  North  Car- 
olina, to  whom  I  had  given  command  of  the  twelfth  North  Carolina, 
cannot  be  too  highly  praised  for  the  distinguished  courage  with  which 
he  commanded,  under  trying  circ»mstances. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Lea,  up  to  the  time  of  his  wound,  bore  himself, 
and  commanded  his  regiment  with  determined  bravery. 

My  thanks  are  due  Captain  D.  P.  Halsey,  A.  A.  G.,for  his  prompt- 
ness and  readiness  in  carrying  my  orders  to  any  part  of  the  field,  and 
the  thanks  of  the  country  are  due  the  whole  command,  officers  and 
men,  for  their  unexceptionable  conduct. 

Lists  of  casualties  are  enclosed  with  regimental  reports. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

ALFRED  IVERSON,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL   RAMSEUR. 

Headquarters    Ramseur's  Brigade,  ) 

Camp  near  Hamilton's  Crossing,  May  23d  1863.  ) 

Major  G.  Peyton,  A.  A.   General : 

In  obedience  to  general  orders,   No.  ,  dated  May  7th,  1S63,  I 

have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of 
my  brigade,  in  the  series  of  skirmishes  and  battles,  opening  at  Mas- 
saponax  Creek,  and  ending  in  the  splendid  victory  at  Chancellors- 
ville  . 

Wednesday,  A.  M.,  April  29th. — The  brigade  was  placed  below 
Massaponax  Creek  to  dispute  the  enemy's  crossing,  and  remained  in 
that  position,  occasionally  annoyed  by  their  artillery,  (by  which  I 
lost  a  few  men,)  and  kept  on  the  alert  by  picket  firing  till  Thursday 
evening,  when  we  were  withdrawn  to  a  point  near  Hamilton's  Cross- 
ing. « 

Friday,  May  1st. — At  three  o'clock,  A.  M.,  we  were  aroused  for 
the  march  and  led  the  advance  of  Major  General  Rodes'  division  in 
the  direction  of  Chancellorsville.  At  a  distance  of  seven  miles  from 
Fredericksburg,  we  were  detached  from  our  own  division  and  ordered 
to  report  to  Major  General  Anderson,  when  we  advanced  upon  the 
enemy,  who  fell  back  in  confusion  before  our  sharpshooters  for  sev- 
eral miles  strewing  the  way  with  their  arms  and  baggage.  This  brig- 
ade, with  General  Posey  on  our  right  and  General  Wright  on  our 
left,  for  upwards,  perhaps,  of  two  miles,  being  in  advance.  About 
six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  found  the  foe  in  force  upon  our  front  and  sup- 
ported by  batteries  that  poured  grape  unsparingly  into  the  woods 
through  which  we  were  still  advancing.  Night  approachin  g,  a  halt 
was  ordered,  and  we  slept  on  our  arms,  with  a  strong  picket  line  on 
the  outposts. 

Saturday,  May  2d. — We  were  relieved  about  sunrise,  and  shortly 
thereafter  marched  by  a  series  of  circuitous  routes  and  with  surpass- 
ing strategy,  to  a  position  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  whom,  at  about 
five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  were  ordered  to  attack.  This  brigade  was 
directed  to  support  Brigadier  General  Colquitt,  with  orders  to  over- 
lap his  right  by  one  regimont,  and  was  placed  accordingly.  At  the 
command,  we  advanced  with  the  division,  preserving  a  distance  of 
about  one  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  General  Colquitt.  Brisk  firing 
was  soon  heard  upon  our  front  and  left,  indicating  that  General  Doles 
had  encountered  the  foe.  At  this  point  General  Colquitt  moved  by 
the  right  flank,  sending  me  word  by  an  officer  of  his  staff  that  the 
enemy  was  attempting  to  turn  his  right.  I  immediately  moved  hj  the 
right  flank,  but  heard  no  firing  in  that  quarter.  Again  he  sent  his 
staff  officer  to  inform  me  that  the  enemy  was  pushing  his  right  flank, 
when  I  directed  him  to  say  to  General  Colquitt,  in  effect,  that  the 
firing  indicated  a  sharp  fight  with  General  Doles,  and  that  my  impres- 
sion was,  that  his  support  was  needed   there,  and  that  I  would  take 


74 

care  of  his  right  flank.  General  C.  moved  to  the  front  with  the 
exception  of  one  regiment,  which  continued  to  the  right.  I  then 
pressed  on  by  the  right  flank  to  meet  the  enemy  that  General  Col- 
quitt's staff  officer  twice  reported  to  me  to  be  in  that  direction,  and 
prosecuted  the  search  for  half  a  mile,  perhaps,  but  not  a  solitary  Yan- 
kee was  to  be  seen  /  I  then  came  up  to  the  division  line  and  moved  by 
the  left  flank  to  the  support  of  General  Colquitt,  whose  men  were 
resting  in  line  of  battli  on  the  field  General  Boles  had  won  !  On  Satur- 
day night  our  division  occupied  the  last  line  of  battle,  within  the 
entrenchments,  from  which  the  routed  corps  of  Seigel  had  fled  in  ter- 
ror. My  brigade  was  placed  perpendicular  to  the  plank  road,  the 
left  resting  on  the  road,  General  Doles  on  my  right,  and  Col.  O'Neal, 
commanding  Rodes'  brigade,  on  my  left.  I  placed  Colonel  Parker's 
thirtieth  North  Carolina  on  the  right  of  my  brigade  ;  Colonel  Ben- 
nett, fourteenth  North  Carolina,  on  right  centre;  Colonel  Cox,  sec- 
ond North  Carolina,  left  centre,  and  Colonel  Grimes,  fourth  North 
Carolina,  on  left. 

Sunday,  May  3d. — The  division  being,  as  stated,  in  the  third  line 
of  battle,  advanced  about  nine  o'clock  to  the  support  of  the  second 
line.  After  proceeding  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  I  was  applied  to 
by  Major  Pegram  for  a  support  to  his  battery,  when  I  detached  Colo- 
nel Parker,  thirtieth  North  Carolina,  for  this  purpose,  with  orders  to 
advance  obliquely  to  his  front  and  left,  and  rejoin  me  after  his  sup- 
port should  be  no  longer  needed,  or  to  fight  his  regiment  as  circum- 
stances might  require.  I  continued  to  advance  to  the  first  line  of 
breastworks,  from  which  the  enemy  had  been  driven,  and  behind 
which  I  found  a  small  portion  of  Paxton's  brigade,  and  Jones'  brig- 
ade, of  Trimble's  division.  Knowing  that  a  general  advance  had 
been  ordered,  I  told  these  troops  to  move  forward.  Not  a  man  moved. 
I  then  reported  this  state  of  things  to  Major  General  Stuart,  who 
directed  me  to  assume  command  of  these  troops,  and  compel  them  to 
advance.  This  I  essayed  to  do ;  and  after  fruitless  efforts,  ascertain- 
ing that  General  Jones  was  not  on  the  field,  and  that  Colonel  Garnett 
had  been  killed,  I  reported  again  to  General  Stuart,  who  was  near, 
and  requested  permission  to  run  over  these  troops  in  my  front — which 
was  cheerfully  granted.  At  the  command  "forward,"  my  brigade 
with  a  shout,  cleared  the  breastworks,  and  charged  the  enemy.  The 
fourth  North  Carolina,  (Colonel  Grimes,)  and  seven  companies  of 
the  second  North  Carolina,  (Colonel  Cox)  drove  the  enemy  before 
them  until  they  had  taken  the  last  line  of  his  works,  which  they  held 
under  a  severe  direct  and  enfilading  fire,  repulsing  several  assaults 
on  this  portion  of  our  front.  The  fourteenth  North  Carolina,  (Colo- 
nel Bennett,)  and  three  companies  of  the  second  were  compelled  to 
halt  some  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the 
troops  just  mentioned,  for  the  reason  that  the  troops  on  my  right  had 
failed  to  come  up,  and  the  enemy  was  in  heavy  force  on  my  right  flank. 
Had  Colonel  Bennett  advanced,  the  enemy  could  easily  have  turned 
my  right.  As  it  was,  my  line  was  subject  to  a  horrible  enfilade  fire, 
by  which  I  lost  severely.  I  saw  the  danger  threatening  my  right, 
and  sent  several  times  to  Jones'  brigade  to  come  to  my  assistance,  and 


75 


I  also  went  back  twice  myself,  and  exhorted  and  ordered  it — offi- 
cers and  men — to  fill  up  the  gap  (some  five  hundred  or  six  hundred 
yards)  on  my  right — but  all  in  vain.  I  then  reported  to  General 
Rodes  that  unless  support  wag  sent  to  drive  the  enemy  from  my  right, 
I  would  have  to  fall  back.  In  the  meantime,  Colonel  Parker,  of  the 
thirtieth,  approaching  my  position  from  the  battery  on  the  right,  sud- 
denly fell  upon  the  flank,  and  handsomely  repulsed  a  heavy  column  of 
the  enemy,  who' were  moving  to  get  in  my  rear  by  my  right  flank — 
some  three  or  four  hundred  of  them  surrendering  to  him  as  prisoners 
of  war.  The  enemy  still  held  his  strong  position  in  the  ravine  on  my 
right,  so  that  the  fourteenth  and  the  three  companies  of  the  second 
could  not  advance.  The  enemy  discovered  this  situation  of  affairs, 
and  pushed  a  brigade  to  the  right  and  rear  of  Colonel  Grimes,  and 
seven  companies  of  Colonel  Cox's  second,  with  the  intention  of  cap- 
taring  their  commands.  This  advance  was  made  under  a  terrible 
direct  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery.  The  move  necessitated  a  retro- 
grade movement  on  the  part  of  Colonels  Grimes  and  Cox,  which  was 
executed  in  order,  but  with  the  loss  of  some  prisoners,  who  did  not 
hear  the  command  to  retire.  Colonel  Bennett  held  his  position  until 
ordered  to  fall  back,  and,  in  common  with  all  the  others,  to  replenish 
his  empty  cartridge  boxes.  The  enemy  did  not  halt  at  this  position, 
but  retired  to  his  battery,  from  which  ho  was  quickly  driven,  Colonel 
Parker,  of  the  thirtieth,  sweeping  over  it  with  my  troops  on  my  right. 
After  replenishing  cartridge  boxes,  I  received  an  order  from  Maj.  Gen. 
Bodes  to  throw  my  brigade  on  the  left  of  the  road  to  meet  an  appre- 
hended attack  of  the  enemy  in  that  quarter.  This  was  done,  and 
afterwards  I  was  moved  to  a  position  on  the  plank  road,  which  was 
entrenched,  and  which  we  Occupied  until  the  division  was  ordered  back 
to  camp  near  Hamilton's  Crossing.  The  charge  of  the  b/ijade, 
made  at  a  critical  moment,  when  the  enemy  had  broken,  and 
was  hotly  pressing  the  centre  of  th 3  line  in  our  front,  with  appa- 
rently overwhelming  numbers,  not  only  checked  his  advance,  but 
threw  him  back  in  disorder,  and  pushed  him  with  heavy  loss  from  his 
last  line  of  works. 

Too  high  praise  cannot  be  accredited  to  the  officers  and  men  for  their 
gallantry,  fortitude,  and  manly  courage  during  this  brief,  but  arduous 
campaign.  Exposed  as  they  had  been  for  five  days  immediately  pre- 
ceding the  fights,  on  the  picket  line,  they  were,  of  course,  somewhat 
wearied,  but  the  order  to  move  forward  and  confront  the  enemy 
brightened  every  eye  and  quickened  every%step.  Under  fire  all  through 
Wednesday,  Wednesday  night,  and  Thursday,  without  being  able 
effectually  to  return  this  fire,  they  bore  all  bravely,  and  led  the 
march  towards  Chancellorsville  on  Friday  morning  in  splendid  order. 
The  advance  of  the  brigade  on  Friday  afternoon  was  made  under  the 
very  eyes  of  our  departed  hero,  Jackson,  and  of  Major  (-cneral  A. 
P.  Hill,  whose  words  of  praise  and  commendation,  bestowed  upon  the 
field,  we  fondly  cherish,  and  on  Sunday  the  magnificent  charge  of  the 
brigade  upon  the  enemy's  last  and  most  terrible  stronghold  was  made 
in  view  of  Major  General  Stuart,  and  our  division  commander,  Major 
General  K.  E.  Rodes,  whose  testimony,  that  it  was  the  most  glorious 


76 

charge  of  that  most  glorious  day,  we  are  proud  to  remember,  and  to 
report  to  our  kindred  and  friends. 

To  enumerate  all  the  officers  and  men  who  deserve  special  mention 
for  their  gallantry,  would  be  to  return  a  list  of  all  who  were  on  the 
field.  All  met  the  enemy  with  unflinching  courage ;  and  for  the  pri- 
vations, hardships,  and  splendid  marches,  all  of  which  were  cheer- 
fully borne,  they  richly  deserve  the  thanks  of  our  beautiful  and 
glorious  Confederacy. 

I  cannot  close  without  mentioning  the  conspicuous  gallantry  and 
great  efficiency  of  my  regimental  commanders.  Colonel  Parker,  of 
the  thirtieth,  who  was  detached  during  the  fight  of  Sunday  to 
support  a  battery,  and  having  accomplished  that  object,  moved  for- 
ward on  his  own  responsibility,  and  greatly  contributed  to  wrest  the 
enemy's  stronghold  at  Chancellorsville  from  their  grasp,  as  well  as 
prevent  their  threatened  demonstrations  upon  the  right  of  my  brigade. 
The  gallant  Grimes,  of  the  fourth,  whose  conduct  on  other  fields  gave 
promise  of  what  was  fully  realized  on  this.  Colonel  Bennett,  of  the 
fourteenth,  conspicuous  for  his  coolness  under  the  hottest  fire  ;  and 
last,  though  not  least,  the  manly  and  chivalrous  Cox,  of  the  second, 
the  accomplished  gentleman,  splendid  soldier,  and  warm  friend,  who, 
though  wounded  five  times,  remained  with  his  regiment  until 
exhausted.  In  common  with  the  entire  command,  I  regret  his  tem- 
porary absence  from  the  field,  where  he  loved  to  be.  Major  Hart, 
second  North  Carolina  troops,  commanded  the  skirmishers  faithfully 
and  well.  To  the  field  and  company  officers,  one  and  all,  my  thanks 
are  due  for  the  zeal  and  bravery  displayed  under  the  most  trying  cir- 
cumstances. To  the  gentlemen  of  my  staff,  I  owe  especial  thanks  for 
services  rendered  on  the  march  and  upon  the  field.  Captain  Seaton 
Gales,  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  and  Lieutenant  Richmond,  aid-de- 
camp, were  with  me  all  the  time,  promptly  carrying  orders,  under  the 
very  hottest  fire.  I  take  pleasure,  too,  in  speaking  of  the  bearing  of 
private  James  Stinson,  courier,  a  youth  of  twenty,  who  displayed 
qualities  a  veteran  might  boast  of,  and  of  the  conduct  of  private  J. 
F.  Beggarly,  also  a  courier  to  headquarters.  To  Dr.  Briggs,  senior 
surgeon  of  the  brigade,  my  thanks  are  due  for  his  skill,  zeal,  and 
care  of  the  wounded. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  D.  RAMSEUR, 
.  Brigadier  General  commanding. 


RErORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BARKSDALE, 

Fredf.ricrsburg,  May  15,  1863. 

Major  W.  H.  Tailor, 

A.  A.  G.,  Army  Northern  Virginia  : 

Major  :  When  General  McLaws  moved  up  the  river,  on  the  night 
of  the  30th  of  April,  I  was  temporarily  detached  from  my  command, 
and  ordered  to  report  to  General  Early.  My  brigade  was  then  at 
Marye's  hill,  with  the  exception  of  twelve  companies,  which  were  pro- 
tecting the  river  from  Taylor's  hill  to  the  Ferneyhough  house.  By 
General  Early's  order.  I,  with  the  thirteenth  and  seventeenth  regi- 
ments relieved  the  pickets  of  Generals  Kershaw  and  Wofford,  above 
the  railroad.  The  brigade  was  then  extended  over  a  picket  line  of  not 
less  than  five  miles.  On  Saturday,  appearances  indicated  that  the 
enemy  were  leaving  their  encampments  on  this  side  of  the  river,  and 
were  marching  to  reinforce  Hooker.  By  General  Early's  order,  the 
twenty-first  regiment  of  my  brigade  was  left  to  picket  the  river,  while 
the  other  three  regiments,  with  three  of  his  brigades,  proceeded  to  re- 
join the  main  army  at  Chancellorsville.  He  hat!  marched  but  a  short 
distance,  when  it  was  reported  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  upon 
General  Hays,  who  had  been  left  with  his  brigade  on  the  line  from 
Hamilton's  Crossing  to  Fredericksburg.  General  Early  ordered  the 
entire  command  to  return  to  its  former  position.  About  two  o'clock, 
on  Sunday  morning,  having  thrown  a  pontoon  bridge  over  the  river, 
the  enemy  commenced  crossing  into  Fredericksburg  in  large  numbers. 
I  at  once  informed  General  Early  of  the  fact,  and  asked  for  reinforce- 
ments. With  several  batteries,  under  the  command  of  General  Pen- 
dleton, and  a  single  brigade  of  infantry,  I  had  a  fiont  of  not  less  than 
tflree  miles  to  defend,  extending  from  Taylor's  hill  on  the  left,  to  the 
foot  of  the  hills  in  rear  of  the  Howison  house.  The  twenty- first 
regiment  was  posted  b  tween  the  Mayro  house  and  the  plank  road, 
three  companies  of  which  were  afterwards  sent  to  the  support  of  the 
eighteenth  regiment,  which  was  stationed  behind  the  stone  wall  at  the 
Mayre  house.  The  seventeenth  regiment  was  placed  in  front  of  Lee's 
hill,  and  the  thirteenth  still  further  to  the  right.  One  regiment  from 
General  Hays'  command  was  subsequently  placed  to  the  right  of  the 
thirteenth.  Four  pieces  of  artillery  were  placed  on  the  right  of 
Marye's  house,  two  on  the  left,  and  the  balance  on  Lee's  and  the  hills 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  Howison  house,  thus  making  the  only  disposi- 
tion of  the  small  force  at  my  command  which,  in  my  judgment,  would 
prevent  the  enemy  from  passing  the  line.  The  battle  commenced  at 
daylight.  A  furious  cannonading  was  opened  from  the  enemy's  bat- 
teries in  town,  and  along  both  banks  of  the  river.  Two  assaults  were 
made  upon  Marye's  heights,  but  both  were  signally  repulsed.  About 
eight  o'clock,  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy  were  seen  moving  up  the 
river,  evidently  for  the  purpose  of  getting  possession  of  Taylor's  hill, 
which,  if  successful,  would  have  given  him  command  of  the  position 


78 

which  I  held.  But  this  was  prevented  by  the  timely  arrival  of  Gen- 
eral Hays,  with  four  regiments  of  his  brigade.  The  enemy  having 
thus  been  foiled  in  his  p.urpose,  turned  the  head  of  his  column  down 
the  river  again ;  but  it  was  impossible  to  tell  whether  he  had  aban- 
doned the  attempt  or  intended  to  advance  again  on  the  same  position, 
with  a  still  heavier  force.  General  Wilcox  had  now  reached  Taylor's 
hill,  with  three  regiments  of  his  brigade,  one  of  which  he  promised  to 
send  to  the  right,  in  case  it  should  be  needed.  Thi3  regiment  was 
sent  for,  but  there  was  not  sufficient  time  for  it  to  come  up,  before 
the  action  was  over.  With  a  line  as  extended  as  this,  and  in  con- 
sideration of  the  small  number  of  forces  at  my  disposal,  and  the  un- 
certainty as  to  the  point  against  which  the  enemy  would  hurl  the 
immediate  force  he  had  massed  in  town,  I  deemed  it  proper  that  the 
regiments  should  remain  as  they  then  were,  and  await  the  happening 
of  events.  Very  soon,  however,  the  enemy  came  out  from  his  hiding 
place,  and  moved  in  three  columns  and  three  lines  of  battle,  twenty 
thousand  strong,  against  the  position  held  by  my  brigade.  At  the 
same  instant,  Colonel  Humphreys  was  assailed  on  the  left,  Colonels 
Holder  and  Carter,  and  the  Louisiana  regiment  on  the  right,  and 
Colonel  Griffin  in  the  centre.  After  a  determined  and  bloody  re- 
sistance by  Colonel  Griffin  and  the  Washington  artillery,  the  enemy, 
fully  twenty  to  one,  succeeded  in  gaining  possession  of  Mayre's  hill. 
At  all  other  points  he  was  triumphantly  repulsed ;  but  seeing  the  line 
broken  at  this  point,  I  ordered  the  thirteenth,  seventeenth,  and  Lou- 
isiana regiment  to  fall  back  to  the  crest  of  Lee's  hill,  to  prevent  the 
enemy  from  getting  in  our  rear.  This  they  did,  resisting  his  ap- 
proach at  every  step ;  and  with  the  aid  of  Frazer's  and  Carlton's  bat- 
teries, both  of  which  were  handled  with  the  most  consummate  skill  and 
courage,  finally  succeeded  in  checking  his  advance.  The  twenty-first 
regiment,  with  the  remainder  of  the  eighteenth,  after  Marye's  hill  had 
been  taken,  fell  back,  and  rejoined  the  brigade  on  the  hills.  The  dis- 
tance from  town  to  the  points  assailed  was  so  short,  the  attack  so  sud- 
denly made,  and  the  difficulty  of  removing  troops  from  one  part  of  the 
line  to  another  was  so  great,  that  it  was  utterly  impossible  for  either 
General  Wilcox  or  General  Hays  to  reach  the  scene  of  action  in  time 
to  afford  any  assistance  whatever.  It  will  then  be  seen  that  Marye's 
hill  was  defended  by  but  one  small  regiment,  three  companies,  and 
four  pieces  of  artillery.  A  more  heroic  struggle  was  never  made  by 
a  mere  handful  of  men  against  overwhelming  odds.  According  to  the 
enemy's  own  accounts,  many  of  this  noble  little  band  resisted  to  the 
death,  with  clubbed  guns,  even  after  his  vast  hordes  had  swept  over 
and  around  the  walls.  His  loss,  from  reports  published  in  his  own 
papers,  was  a  thousand  killed  and  wounded ;  but  according  to  state- 
ments from  intelligent  citizens,  it  reached  two  thousand.  Upon  the 
pretext  of  taking  care  of  their  wounded,  the  enemy  asked  a  flag  of 
truce,  after  the  second  assault  at  Marye's  hill,  which  was  granted  by 
Colonel  Grffin,  and  thus  the  weakness  of  our  force  at  that  point  was 
discovered.  It  is  proper  to  say,  that  Colonel  Griffin,  who  is  a  brave 
and  gallant  officer,  granted  this  flag  of  truce  without  consulting  me. 
The  next  morning,  the  line  of  battle  was  formed  on  the  river  road — 


79 

General  Gordon  in  front,  General  Hays  on  the  left,  and  my  brigade 
on  the  right  of  the  road.  It  was  soon  discovered  that  Lee's  and 
Mayre's  hills  had  been  abandoned  by  the  enemy.  General  Gordon 
took  possession  of  Marye's  hill  without  opposition.  My  brigade  was 
ordered  to  the  stone  wall  in  front  of  the  hill ;  and  I  was  ordered  to 
send  out  skirmishers,  and  if  the  town  was  not  strongly  defended,  to 
storm  and  take  it.-  I  at  once  sent  out  both  scouts  and  skirmishers, 
both  of  whom  reported,  that,  in  their  judgment,  the  town*  was  in  a 
state  of  strong  defence  ;  that  rifle-pits  had  been  dug  across  the  streets, 
and  that  cannon  had  been  planted  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  which 
completely  commanded  the  entire  town.  This  fact  I  reported  to  Gen- 
eral Early,  who  ordered  me  to  remain  where  I  then  was,  and  prevent 
any  advance  from  town  on  the  part  of  the  enemy.  During  the  night 
the  enemy  recrossed  the  river;  and  on  the  following  morning  I  moved 
in  and  occupied  the  town,  capturing  about  forty  prisoners.  In  con- 
cluding this  brief  report,  I  desire  specially  to  mention  the  names  of 
Captain  J.  A.  Barksdale,  adjutant  of  this  brigade ;  Lieutenant  J.  A. 
Gibson,  acting  inspector  general ;  Harris  Barksdale,  aid-de-camp,  as 
having  acted  with  the  greatest  possible  coolness  and  gallantry.  Dr. 
Hill,  senior  surgeon  of  the  brigade,  and  all  the  regimental  surgeons, 
did  their  whole  duty.  All  the  couriers  who  were  with  us — J.  T. 
Broach,  W.  M.  Palmer,  and  W.  L.  McKee — carried  my  messages  to 
the  different  commands  promptly,  regardless  of  danger. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM  BARKSDALE, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  POSEY. 

Headquarters  Posey's  Brigade,  ) 

Near  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  May  12,  1863.  \ 

To  Major  Thomas  S.  Mills,  • 

A.  A.  General,  Anderson's  Division .' 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  of  submitting  a  report  of  the  part  my 
brigade  tock  in  the  recent  engagement  about  Chancellorsville  and 
Fredericksburg.  On  the  evening  of  the  29th  ultimo,  being  then  in 
camp  with  Brigadier  General  Mahone,  near  the  United  States  ford, 
we  were  advised  by  our  scouts  and  the  cavalry  pickets,  who  were 
posted  at  Ely's  ford  and  Germana  bridge,  that  the  enemy  had  crossed 
in  heavy  force  at  those  points,  and  were  advancing  on  the  Ely  and 
Plank  roads,  towards  Chancellorsville.  Upon  consultation,  we  con* 
eluded  to  leave  five  companies  of  my  brigade,  (nineteenth  Mississippi 
regiment,)  and  one  regiment  of  General  Mahone's  brigade,  to  watch 
and  defend  the  United  States  ford,  while  we  moved  our  brigades  to 
Chancellorsville  ;  on  reaching  that  place,  we  posted  my  brigade  on  the 
right  and  left  of  the  Plank  road  at  Chancellorsville,  and  General 
Mahone's  brigade  in  Ballard's  and  Nixley's  fields,  half  mile  from 
Chancellorsville,  on  the  Ely  road.  We  remained  in  this  position  until 
about  seven  o'clock  the  next  morning,  the  30th,  when  we  were  directed 
by  the  Major  General  commanding,  who  reached  Chancellorsville  about 
twelve  o'clock,  A.  M.,  to  move  our  commands  back  to  a  position 
where  the  mine  road  crosses  the  old  pike  and  plank  road.  We 
remained  in  this  position  until  the  next  morning  about  nine  o'clock, 
May  1st,  when  I  was^ordered  to  advance  my  brigade  up  the  plank 
road.  After  moving  about  two  miles,  I  formed  a  line-of-battle.  in 
Aldridge's  field,  between  the  plank  road  and  old  pike,  and  sent  out 
the  twelfth  regiment  as  skirmishers,  moving  the  other  three  regiments 
forward  as  fast  as  the  skirmishers  advanced  ;  the  advanced  line  of 
skirmishers  soon  encountered  the  enemy,  when  I  advanced  another 
line,  and  we  drove  the  enemy's  skirmishers  back  in  gallant  style,  until 
we  encountered  the  enemy  in  heavy  force  drawn  up  in  line-of-battle 
on  the  furnace  road;  this  line  was  soon  broken  by  the  vigorous  onset 
of  my  skirmishers,  (at  this  time  Lieutenant  Colonel  Harris,  command- 
ing the  twelfth,  wa3  severely  wounded  while  gallantly  leading  on  his 
command,  and  was  taken  off  the  field.)  I  continued  my  advance 
across  the  furnace  road,  through  a  dense  wood,  thickly  set  with 
undergrowth,  driving  back  the  enemy's  skirmishers  through  the  woods, 
until  I  reached  a  marsh,  and  became  much  exposed  to  a  rapid  shelling 
from  the  enemy's  artillery,  when  I  halted  my  command  and  remained 
here  until  about  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  wlien  I  received  an  order  from 
the  Major  General  commanding  to  advance  as  far  as  I  could.  I  then 
pushed  my  skirmishers  forward,  and  with  much  difficulty  crossed  the 
marsh  in  front,  and  advanced  within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemy's 
lines  of  works ;  the  enemy  on  my  right  being  on  my  flank  and  some- 


81 

what  in  the  rear  of  my  right.  I  remained  in  this  position  until  ahout 
seven  o'clock  the  next  morning,  when  I  was  relieved  by  Brigadier 
General  Thomas ;  and  then  moved  with  my  brigade  to  the  field  in  rear 
of  the  Furnace  road,  where  my  command  was  allowed  to  rest  for  a 
short  time.  Saturday,  2d  May,  about  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  my  command 
moved  down  the  furnace  road,  and  formed  a  line-of-battle  with  three 
regiments,  (the  forty-eighth  being  left  behind  as  skirmishers,  and  not 
being  relieved  until  late  at  night,)  on  each  side  of  the  road,  about  five 
hundred  yards  from  the  furnace.  Here  my  skirmishers  were  hotly 
engaged  with  the  enemy  during  the  whole  day  and  part  of  the  night, 
the  enemy  being  in  heavy  force  in  my  front,  and  making  frequent 
efforts  to  advance  without  success;  on  every  occasion  my  line  ot  skir- 
mishers drove  them  back  in  confusion.  On  the  morning  of  the  3d, 
the  enemy  having  disappeared  from  my  front,  I  advanced  my  com- 
mand, by  the  furnance,  capturing  many  prisoners  and  arms,  until  I 
reached  a  point  in  a  field  in  rear  of  our  Dutteries  on  the  extreme  right 
of  the  enemy's  lines;  here  I  formed  my  command  in  column  of  regi- 
ments, and,  after  a  short  time,  was  ordered  to  advance  by  flank  to  the 
right,  and  attack  the  enemy,  who  were  in  strong  force  on  a  hill  in 
front.  I  deployed  first  the  nineteenth,  then  the  twelfth,  forty-eighth 
and  sixteenth,  directing  the  commanders  to  move  by  the  left  flaiik 
(which  would  bring  them  in  line-of-battle,  fronting  the  enemy)  as 
Boon  as  they  attained  sufficient  room  in  the  woods,  and  push  forward 
their  skirmishers  vigorously  against  the  enemy's.  The  movement 
was  made  in  fine  order  under  heavy  fire  of  shell  and  grape ;  as  ea#» 
regiment  attained  its  position,  the  commanders  pushed  forward  gal- 
lantly and  irresistibly  through  a  dense  wood  and  over  a  wide  abattis, 
and  into  the  trenches  of  the  enemy,  driving  him  off  with  much  slaugh- 
ter, and  capturing  many  prisoners.  Too  much  credit  cannot  be  given 
to  the  officers  and  men  for  this  gallant  and  daring  and  irresistible 
charge,  sweeping  the  enemy  for  more  than  a  half  mile  of  their  strong 
works,  overcoming  without  hesitation  both  natural  and  artificial  ob- 
stacles. It  would  not  be  proper  in  this  limited  report  to  mention  the 
many  instances  of  individual  daring  which  came  under  my  observation 
and  which  have  been  reported  to  me,  and  where  all  the  officers  and 
men  behaved  so  nobly  it  would  be  invidious  to  individualize.  Com- 
manders of  regiments  acted  with  consummate  skill  and  valor.  Colo- 
nel Baker,  of  the  sixteenth,  attacked  the  enemy's  works  on  their 
extreme  right ;  Colonel  Jayne,  of  the  forty- eighth,  (who  was  wounded 
in  the  charge,)  next ;  Major  Thomas,  of  the  twelfth,  and  Colonel  Har- 
ris on  the  right  of  the  brigade.  These  commanders  simultaneously 
charged  the  enemy's  works,  and  I  am  much  indebted  to  them  for  the 
success  of  my  command.  My  command,  after  storming  the  works, 
being  somewhat  scattered  on  account  of  the  d^inse  woods  and  vigorous 
pursuit.  I  moved  it  back  a  short  distance  and  reformed  in  an  open 
field  on  the  right,  and  in  a  very  short  time  was  ready  to  move  for- 
ward. On  the  afternoon  of  this  day  my  command  was  moved  on  the 
old  pike,  the  left  resting  near  Chancellorsville  house,  and  my  right 
extended  on  the  pike.  I  here. sent  out  ten  companies  of  skirmishers, 
who  penetrated  to  Ballard's  and  Nixley's  field,  where  the  enemy  were 
6 


82 

in  force  and  throwing  up  works  of  defence.  In  the  afternoon,  my 
brigade,  with  Generals  Wright's  and  Perry's,  were  moved  near  the 
United  States  lord,  where  I  sent  out  the  nineteenth  and  twelfth  regi- 
ments and  drove  in  the  enemy's  skirmishers.  The  next  day,  Monday, 
the  4th,  my  command  was  moved,  with  Generals  Wright  and  Perry, 
towards  Fredericksburg,  and  in  the  afternoon  formed  a  line-of-battle 
near  Hazel  run,  fronting  Dolmer's  house.  At  the  signal  to  advance, 
led  by  the  Major  General  commanding,  my  command  moved  across  to 
the  plank  road,  opposite  Guests'  house,  under  heavy  fire,  and  at  dark 
formed  a  line-of-battle  and  remained  until  about  twelve  o'clock,  when 
I  was  ordered  to  move  to  a  point  up  the  plank  road  near  Banks'  ford. 
During  this  time  my  skirmishers  were  actively  engaged  and  brought 
i  t  many  prisoners.  I  remained  near  Banks'  ford  during  the  balance 
of  the  night,  and  the  next  evening,  the  5th,  in  a  severe  storm  of 
wind  and  rain,  advanced  to  within  two  miles  of  Chancellorsville  and 
bivouacked  for  the  night.  Early  the  next  day,  6th,  I  was  moved  to 
Ballard's  field,  and  that  evening  returned  to  my  old  camp  near  Fred- 
ericksburg. My  command  was  on  foot  from  the  siOth  of  April  to  the 
7th  May,  inclusive,  and  bore  the"  privations,  fatigue,  labor  and 
fighting  without  a  murmur.  My  staff  officers.  Stanhope  Posey,  A. 
A.  General  and  J.  B.  Posey,  A.  D.  C,  rendered  .good  services.  My 
pid- de-camp  being  very  sick  had  to  leave  the  field  Saturday  morning, 
and  my  assistant  adjutant  general  being  wounded  on  Saturday,  was 
disabled  from  doing  active  duty,  but  remained  in  the  field  while  the 
fixating  lasted.  In  the  meantime,  one  of  my  couriers,  Mr.  Asberry 
Hancock,  acted  both  a  courier  and  aid-de-camp,  and  did  most  valua- 
ble service,  displaying  acts  of  daring  and  heroism  worthy  of  mention, 
tvA  for  his  conduct  in  the  field  in  front  of  the  enemy,  deserves  the 
l.'ghest  consideration,  and  should  be  promoted.  My  courier,  Weil, 
also  deserves  mention.  I  must  here  mention  that  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Manlove,  of  the  forty-eighth,  volunteered,  and  gallantly  led  a  line  of 
fkirmishers  on  Friday  morning  with  good  effect.  It  affords  me  pleas- 
ure to  notice  the  gallant  conduct  of  T.  L.  Duke,  chaplain  of  the 
cineteenth  regiment,  who  remained  in  front  of  his  regiment  with  his 
l nueket  during  the  series  of  engagements,  and  mainly  directed  the 
movements  of  the  skirmishers  of  that  regiment.  I  herewith  send  a 
list  of  casualties,  and  also  the  reports  of  commanders  of  regiments, 
giving  more  particular  details  which  are  interesting. 
Very  respectfully, 

CARNOT  POSEY, 
,  Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  A.  R.  WRIGHT. 

Headquarters    Wkhuit's  Brigade,      > 
Camp  near  Guineas'  Station,  May  13,  13G3.  J 

To  Major  Thos.  S.  Mills, 

A.  A.  G.,  Anderson's  Division  : 

Major  :  I  herewith  enclose  a  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  brig- 
ade in  the  recent  engagements  near  Fredericksburg  and  Chancellors- 
ville,  together  with  a  correct  list  of  casualties  sustained  by  this 
command.  At  fifteen  minutes  after  ton  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  29th 
ultimo,  I  received  orders  to  move  with  my  command,  to,  or  near 
Hamilton's  Crossing,  and  in  supporting  distance  of  General  Early's 
left.  I  immediately  put  my  brigade  in  motion,  and  at  twelve,  M  , 
reached  the  position  indicated,  with  my  right  near  to  Farly's  left. 
Here  I  remained  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  when,  in  obedience  to 
orders  from  Major  General  Anderson.  I  moved  my  command  near  to 
his  headquarters,  on  the  military  road.  Here  we  bivouacked,  as  we 
hoped,  for  the  night,  bv.t  at  twelve  o'clock,  I  was  ordered  to  move 
rapidly  with  my  command  to  Chancellorsville,  distant  some  twelve  or 
fifteen  miles,  where  I  would  report  to  Major  General  Anderson. 
During  a  drenching  rain  and  impenetrable  darkness,  we  commenced 
the  march,  and  moving  by  the  Fredericksburg  and  Orange  plank  road, 
at  day-light,  on  Thursday,  May  the  3Uth,  I  reported  in  pers«n  the 
arrival  of  my  brigade  at  Chancellorsville.  Here  T  received  orders  to 
retrace  my  steps,  and  fall  back  towards  Fredericksburg,  as  far  a>  the 
crossing  of  the  old  mine  road  on  the  plank  road,  and  there  await  the 
approach  of  the  enemy,  then  reported  as  advancing  in  heavy  force  by  ■ 
the  Ely's  ford  and  Germ  ana  roads.  At  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I 
reached  the  desired  position  and  formed  line  of  battle  on  a  range  of 
hills  in  rear  of  Hopewell  nursery,  with  my  right  resting  upon  the 
plank  road.  My  men  had  marched  twenty-seven  miles  in  less  thai: 
twenty-one  hours  and  most  of  the  time  in  a  heavy  rain  and  through 
deep  mud,  and  when  I  halted,  were  almost  completely  exhau-td. 
After  a  hasty  reconuoissance  of  the  position,  1  concluded  to  change 
my  line  to  the  crest  of  a  range  of  hill*,  upon  which  the  small-pox 
hospital  and  an  old  church  were  situated,  and  about  three  quarters  of 
a  mile  in  rear  of  my  first  position.  Here  I  formed  u  before  with  my 
right  resting  upon  the  plank  road,  and  my  left  upon  the  Fredericks- 
burg and  Gordonsville  railroad  During  the  afternoon,  having  re- 
ceived a  few  entrenching  tools,  I  commenced  digging  a  line  of  rifle 
pits  in  front  of  my  position,  and  by  working  during  the  whole  night, 
I  had,  by  seven  o'clock,  on  Fri  lay  morning,  my  entire  line  well 
protected,  having  also,  during  the  night,  kept  a  detail  at  work  throw- 
ing up  an  epa'dement  for  two  pieces  of  artillery,  on  the  right  of  the 
plank  road.  No  enemy  having  appeared  in  eight  in  front  of  my 
position,  at  about  noon,  on  Friday,  the  1st  of  May,  I  was  ordered  to 
movo  my  brigade  up  the  plank   road,  and,  feeling  for  the  enemy,  to 


84 

drive  Kim  before  me,  should  he  be  found,  Having  proceeded  about 
one  mile,  my  skirmishers  became  engaged  with  the  enemy's  advance, 
who  began  very  soon  to  give  way,  while  I  pressed  forward  with  the 
main  body  of  my  command  until  having  reached  within  one  and  a  half 
or  two  miles  of  Chancellorsvil-e,  I  discovered  the  enemy  in  considera- 
ble force,  occupying  a  position  on  both  sides  of  the  plant  road,  along: 
the  skirt  of  a  heavy  forest,  with  a  large  clearing  in  his-  front.  At 
this  point,  by  command  of  Lieutenant  General  Jackson,  Alexander's 
battallicn  of  artillery  was  placed  in  position  and  supported  by  my 
brigade,  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  the  enemy's  line.  Meanwhile  I 
threw  forward  a  strong  body  of  skirmishers  from  the  third  Georgia 
regiment  on  both  sides  of  the  road,  and  pushing  them  well  to  the 
front,  those  on  the  right  soon  became  actively  engaged  with  a  con- 
siderable body  of  the  enemy's  infantry  ;  the  firing  continuing  very 
heavy  on  my  right,  I  ordered  Captain  Jones'  company,  second  Georgia 
battalion,  to  the  support  of  company  "H",  third  Georgia  regiment, 
then  on  the  right.  In  a  very  few  minutes  the  enemy  began  to  give 
way,  and  Captain  Jones  continued  to  press  them,  for  some  distance 
through  the  dense  wood.  About  the  middle  of  the  afternoon,  I  re- 
ceived orders  from  General  Anderson  to  move  my  brigade  across  and 
to  the  left  of  the  plank  road,  and,  bearing  well  off  from  the  road,  en- 
deavour to  get  upon  the  enemy's  right  flank  and  rear.  I  immediately 
commenced  the  movement,  and  reaching  the  Gordonsville  and  Freder- 
icksburg railroad,  I  moved  rapidly  up  that  road,  keeping  Captain 
Wilson's  company,  forty- eighth  Georgia  regiment,  and  Captain 
Scragg's  company,  twenty-second  Georgia  regiment,  well  in  advance, 
as  skirmishers. 

About  six  o'clock.  P.  M.,  I  reached  Wellford's  iron  furnace,  one 
and  a  half  miles  southwest  of  Chancellorsville,  where  I  found  Major 
General  Stuart,  who  informed  me  that  the  enemy,  in  considerable 
force  were  occupying  the  thick  woods  north  of  and  near  the  furnace, 
in  the  direction  of  Chancellorsville.  I  immediately  prepared  to  give 
him  battle,  and  ordered  Lieutenant  Colonel  Carswell,  commanding 
forty-eighth  Virginia  regiment,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Warden, 
commanding  twenty- second  Georgia  regiment,  to  move  cautiously  for- 
ward through  the  almost  impenetrable  forest,  with  one  company  for 
each  regiment  thrown  forward  as  skirmishers,  and,  finding  the  enemy, 
to  press  him  vigorously.  The  third  Georgia  regiment  and  second 
Georgia  battalion  I  held  in  reserve,  to  be  used  as  occasion  might 
require.  Lieutenant  Colonels  Carswell  and  Warden,  moving  rapidly 
forward,  were  soon  engaged  with  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy's  in- 
fantry and  the  firing  for  a  few  minutes  was  very  severe.  Through 
this  heavy  fire  Carswell  and  Warden  continued  to  press,  and  their 
gallant  commands  soon  cleared  the  woods  and,  reaching  the  edge  of 
an  open  field,  charged  upon  and  drove  the  enemy  up  a  high  hill,  in 
rear  of  a  farm  house,  where  he  took  shelter  under  cover  of  a  dense 
pine  thicket.  Fearing  lest  my  small  command  should  fall  into  a 
Yankee  trap,  I  ordered  my  line  to  halt  and  dispatched  a  messenger  to 
General  Stuart,  asking  that  he  send  me  a  portion  of  his  artillery, 
under  cover  of  whose  fire  I  intended  again  to  charge  the  enemy^ 


85 

unless  our  artillery  should  show  them  to  be  in  very  greatly  superior 
force.  Some  time  elapsed  before  our  guns  could  be  got  into  position, 
owing  to  the  character  of  the  ground  and  the  very  bad  roads  over 
which  they  had  to  pass,  and  it  was  nearly  sunset  before  we  opened 
our  fire.  Immediately  the  enemy  responded  with  two  heavy  batteries, 
one  immediately  in  front  and  one  upon  our  right,  and  very  soon  a 
third  opened  upon  us  from  a  high  hill  on  our  left.  Our  guns  replied 
with  spirit,  but  owing  to  the  superior  number  of  guns  opposed  to  them 
and  their  advantageous  position,  the  result  was  not  as  favorable  to  us 
as  I  had  hoped  and  anticipated.  Ascertaining  the  locality  of  the 
enemy*  guns,  I  directed  Lieutenant  Colonel  Carswell  to  move  off  by 
his  left  flank  through  a  deep  ravine  near  the  edge  of  the  field,  in 
which  the  enemy's  guns  were  posted,  and  gaining  the  right  and  rear 
of  the  enemy's  battery  upon  our  left  to  charge  upon  and  take  it. 
But  owing  to  the  near  approach  of  night  and  the  dense  undergrowth 
through  which  we  had  to  pass,  it  was  found  impossible  to  accomplish 
my  object,  and,  at 'dark,  the  firing  ceased  on  both  sides,  and  I  with- 
drew my  men  ;  and,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  Lieutenant  General 
Jackson,  received  through  Major  General  Stuart,  I  marched  by  the 
furnace  road,  and,  at  eleven  o'clock,  P  M.,  rejoined  my  division,  then 
on  the  plank  road  about  one  mile  from  Chancellorsville.  My  loss, 
during  the  day,  amounted  to  two  killed  and  twenty-two  wounded. 
The  enemy's  loss  I  had  no  means  of  discovering,  as  I  left  the  scene 
of  conflict  so  soon,  but  it  must  have  been  very  considerable,  including 
quite  a  number  of  prisoners. 

Early  on  Saturday  morning,  the  2d  instant,  I  was  ordered  to  form 
my  brigade  on  the  left  of  and  perpendicular  to  the  plank  road,  with 
my  right  resting  upon  it,  keeping  one  regiment  deployed  as  skirmish- 
ers well  to  the  front  in  the  dense  woods.  In  this  position  I  continued 
until  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  I  received  orders  to  move  quickly  in 
the  direction  of  tho  iron  furnace  to  the  support  of  General  Posey, 
who  was  then  threatened  by  a  heavy  force  of  the  Yankees.  Just  at 
this  time  the  enemy  advanced  two  full  brigades  upon  the  third  Georgia 
regiment,  deployed  as  skirmishers  in  my  front,  and  commenced  a 
fire  upon  that  regiment.  I  was  compelled  to  leave  it  unsup- 
ported, but  reporting  the  fact  promptly  to  the  Major  General  com- 
manding the  division,  I  proceeded  rapidly  to  the  support  of  General 
Posey,  whose  brigade  I  found  in  line  extending  on  both  sides  of  the 
road  to  the  furnace,  and  distant  from  the  latter  about  one  thousand 
yards.*  The  enemy  appeard  in  considerable  force  upon  the  hills  around 
the  furnace,  and  had  a  strong  lin?  of  sharpshooters  advanced  as  far 
as  the  small  run,  which  flows  at  the  foot  of  the  furnace  hill.  After  a 
brief  consultation  with  General  Posey,  I  formed  my  brigade  on  his 
right  with  my  line  extending  well  to  the  right  in  the  direction  of  the 
lefLof  the  third  Georgia  regiment,  left,  as  before  stated,  hotly  eng 
by  a  large  force  of  the  enemy.  The  firing  continuing  so  incessant 
and  terrific  in  the  direction  of  the  latter  regiment,  I  dispatched  a 
messenger  to  Major  Jones,  commanding,  to  ascertain  the  condition  of 
things  in  his  immediate  front,  and  to  inform  him  of  my  readiness  to  rein- 
force him  if  he  should  require  it,  but  ordering  him  to  hold  his  position 


86 

a':  all  hazards,  as  he  held  the  key  to  our  whole  line  in  this  quarter. 
laving  received  an  answer  from  Major  Jones  that  he  was  not  only  able 
to  hold  his  own  against  the  terrible  odds  to  which  he  was  opposed,  but 
thiit  he  was  actually  advancing  upon  and  driving  the  enemy  before 
him,  I  drew  in  my  line  upon  the  left  and  concentrated  the  balance  of 
my  brigade  there,  in  order  to  co- operate  more  favorably  with  Posey, 
who  was,  about  this  time,  threatened  with  a  heavy  force  which  was 
seen  advancing  down  the  hill  from  the  furnace,  and  approaching  his 
position  with  loud  cheers.  This  was  about  dark  on  Saturday,  and  as 
the  enemy's  threatened  movement  against  General  Posey  was  not 
made,  I  again  directed  my  attention  in  the  direction  of  Majqr  Jones' 
position  on  my  right. 

Shortly  after  dark  the  firing  ceased  along  my  whole  front,  and,  at 
half-past  eight  o'clock,  Major  Jones'  third  Georgia  regiment  having 
been  relieved  from  its  position  in  the  woods,  as  skirmishers,  returned 
to  the  brigade,  and  was  formed  upon  its  right  My  loss  during  the 
day  was  very  slight,  though  I  regret  to  add  that*  some  of  my  men, 
who  were  wounded  the  day  before  and  left  at  the  furnace  in  hospital, 
were  to-day  captured,  together  with  two  ambulances,  which  had  been 
sent  up  to  bring  them  oft.  When  the  depot  for  my  wounded  was 
established  at  the  furnace  it  was  at  least  a  mile  within  our  lines,  but 
by  some  means  unknown  to  me  the  enemy  retook  the  position  on  this 
day,  (Saturday,  the  2d,)  and  thus  got  possession  of  some  of  my 
wounded  men. 

Early  on  Sunday  morning,  I  received  orders  to  advance  my  brigade 
through  the  woods  in  the  direction  of  Chahcellorsville,  connecting 
my  right  with  General  Mahone's  left  and  my  left  with  General  Posey's 
right.  This  gave  me  a  line  of  over  a  mile  to  cover,  with  less  than  sixteen 
hundred  men.  I  soon  found  that  this  was  entirely  impracticable,  and 
I  pushed  forward  through  the  woods  endeavoring  to  keep  equi-distant 
from  Mahone  and  Posey,  keeping  my  flanks  protected  by  a  strong 
line  of  skirmishers  and  flankers.  In  this  order  I  moved  steadily 
on  my  right,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  left  of  the  plank 
road,  until  I  fell  upon  a  strong  body  of  Yankee  infantry  posted  in  the 
woods,  about  one-half  a  mile  in  the  front  (as  I  afterwards  discovered) 
of  a  strong  line  of  rifle  pits,  protected  by  abactis  formed  by  the  felling 
of  the  thick  forest  timber  for  some  distance  in  front  of  their  entrench- 
ments. Quickly  engaging  the  enemy,  with  vigor,  he  gave  way,  and  I 
pursued  him  up  and  into  his  strong  works.  Here  my  small  command 
encountered  the  most  terrible  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry  -I  have 
ever  witnessed,  and  our  further  advance  was  temporarily  checked. 
About  this  time,  firing  on  my  left  wa,s  heard,  and  I  felt  assured 
Posey  was  up  to  his  work.  Not  having  heard  from  or  of  General 
"Mahone,  I  dispatched  an  officer  of  my  staff  to  seek  him  and  inform 
him  of  my  position,  and  beg  him  to  move  forward  to  my  support. 
Immediately  after  this  messenger  left  me,  Major  Taylor,  an  officer  in 
command  of  General  Mahone's  line  of  skirmishers,  approached  me 
and  informed  me  that  he  knew  nothing  of  the  locality  of  General 
Mahone's  brigade,  except  when  last  heard  from  it  was  very  far  in  the 
xear,  and  that  he  (Taylor)  should  wait  or  fall  back  with  his  skirmish- 


37 

ers  until  he  could  be  brought  near  to  his  brigade.  I  urged  him  not  to 
do  so,  as  I  had  just  sent  word  to  General  Mahone,  informing  hi  in  )f 
the  condition  of  things  in  front,  and  urging  him  to  come  to  my  sup- 
port, and  which  I  thought  he  would  speedily  do.  Directly  after  this, 
Major  Taylor  left  me,  and  I  saw  no  more  of  him  or  General  Mahoni  'a 
forces  during  the  day.  Being  thus  without  support  on  my  right,  I 
determined  to  move  a  little  towards  the  left,  where  I  continued  to  hear 
Posey's  fire,  and  ordered  Major  Jones,  with  his  third  Georgia  regi- 
ment, to  deploy  bis  lino,  and  pushing  up  to  the  enemy's  w 
examine  bis  position  and  report.  About  tbis  time,  the  firing  far  o:\ 
the  left  of  Posey's  position  became  heavy,  and  I  felt  assured  that 
Jackson  was  advancing  there.  Major  Jones  moved  bis  regiment 
rapidly  up  to  within  a  few  rols  of  the  enemy's  works,  where,  p:« 
by  Posey  and  Perry  on  my  immediate  left,  and  Jackson  further  on, 
the  Yankees  gave  way  and  fled  from  their  entrenchments.  We 
pressed  forward  and  immediately  occupied  them,  although  on  my  rig]  li 
the  enemy  still  retained  possession  of  their  works  and  opened  a  pretty 
sharp  fire  of  shell  and  musketry  upon  us  as  we  took  possession  of  their 
abandoned  rifle-pits.  I  was  then  ordered  by  Major  General  Anderson 
to  move  up  the  third  Georgia  regiment  and  dislodge  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters  on  our  right,  and  then  push  forward  for  the  enemy's 
battery,  which  was  playing  so  incessantly  upon  us.  The  order  was 
given,  and  the  third  Georgia  commenced  its  movement  along  the  line 
of  rifle-pits  towards  the  plank  road,  led  by  Major  Jones  h\  a  few 
minutes  he  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  right  arm,  (-ince  ampu- 
tated.) and  the  command  devolved  upon  Captain  Andrews,  who  con- 
tinued to  advance,  until  having  reached  the  plank  road  about  twj 
hundred  yards  from  Chancellorsville,  I  ordered  him  to  charge  the 
enemy,  then  in  some  confusion  around  and  in  the  rear  of  the  brick 
house.  This  charge  was  made  with  spiiit  and  the  enemy  fled,  leaving  us 
in  entire  possession  of  his  strong  position.  At  this  point  we  capture  i 
three  pieces  of  artillery  and  eight  caissons,  and  about  three  hundre  I 
prisoners.  I  immediately  reformed  my  brigade  (now  somewhat  scat- 
tered in  running  through  the  woods  and  timber,)  along  the  road  in 
front  of  the  brick  house,  and  ordered  four  companies  of  the  third  Georgia 
forward  on  both  sides  of  Ely's  ford  road  as  skirmishers  to  feel  for  the 
flying  foe.  Soon  as  I  had  my  line  formed  and  ready  to  press  on,  I 
reported  the  fact  Major  General  Anderson,  who,  with  General  Leo, 
had  ridden  upon  the  field,  and  then  received  orders  to  move,  down  tho 
plank  road  for  a  few  rods  and  await  further  orders.  Meanwhile,  my 
skirmishers  had  overtaken  the  running  Yankees,  and  had  suocei  I 
in  capturing  an  entire  Yankee  regiment,  (the  twenty-seventh  I 
necticut,)  with  all  its  field  officers  and  about  six  or  seven  bun  I 
men.  I  cfn tinned  to  scour  the  woods  for  an  hour  or  two,  and  cap- 
tured quite  a  number  of  stra.  i  uikees. 

Late  in  the  afternoon,  1  was    ordered  down  a  by-road  in  the  d 
tion  of  the  United   State-   ford,  following  Posey's  brigade.      Not!  ii  g 
of  importance   occurred  daring  tins  march,  and  at  night  we  ' 
ricked  near  Child  a1  house.     My  loss  during  this  day  was  pretty  severe, 


88 

amounting  to  seventeen  killed,   and  one  hundred    and  sixty  three 
wounded,  including  in  the  list  of  killed  some  of  my  best  officers. 

On  Monday  morning,  I  received  orders  to  move  back  up  the  road, 
towards  Chancellorsvillc,  until  I  reached  the  turnpike  road;  and  from 
thence  was  ordered  down  the  turnpike  to  Salem  church,  five  miles 
above  Fredericksburg,  which  point  we  reaohed  about  noon,  when  I 
halted  to  receive  further  orders.  Major  General  Anderson  then  di- 
rected me  to  move  off  to  the  right  of  the  road,  and  passing  well  to 
the  left  of  the  enemy's  line,  to  take  position  on  the  siope  of  the  hills 
in  rear  of  Downman's  farm.  Here  I  formed  line  of  battle,  my  right 
upon  the  left  of  Hoke's  brigade,  of  Early's  division,  Posey's  right 
upon  my  left. 

The  enemy  were  in  position  along  the  north  slope  of  the  ridge  upon 
which  Downman's  house  stands,  with  a  strong  line  of  sharpshooters 
occupying  the  crest  of  the  ridge  and  the  house,  and  fencing  around 
Downman's  yard  with  heavy  batteries  on  the  hills  in  their  rear.  At 
the  appointed  signal,  just  before  sunset,  I  movedlorward  by  the  right 
flank  around  to  the  right  of  the  hill  on  which  1  had  formed,  and  pass- 
ing up  a  ravine,  came  upon  the  border  of  the  open  field  in  rear  of 
Downman's  house,  about  four  hundred  yards  from  it,  and  here  rap- 
idly forming  in  line,  I  charged  across  the  fields,  swept  by  the  house, 
and  reached  the  woods  opposite,  driving  the  enemy  before  me  like 
chaff.  Arriving  at  the  skirt  of  the  woods,  I  halted  my  command, 
(fearing  if  I  proceeded  further  in  that  direction  I  should  encounter 
Wofford's  brigade,  who,  I  had  been  informed,  would  advance  in  that 
direction,)  and  sent  a  messenger  to  General  Anderson  informing  him 
of  my  position,  from  whom  I  received  instructions  to  wait  in  my 
then  position  for  further  orders.  During  this  time  the  enemy  kept  up 
a  murderous  fire  along  my  whole  line,  and  with  considerable  effect. 
I  remained  in  this  position  until  dark,  subjected  to  this  murderous 
fire,  without  being  able  to  respond  to  the  enemy's  guns.  Between 
eight  and  nine  o'clock,  I  was  ordered  to  move  up  to  the  plank  road,  and 
form  on  Posey's  left,  which  I  did,  and  soon  after  we  moved  down 
the  road  in  the  direction  of  Banks  ford,  Posey  in  advance.  After  pro- 
ceeding two  and-a-half  or  three  miles,  we  were  ordered  to  halt;  and 
were  then  ordered  by  Major  General  Anderson  to  bivouac  for  the 
night.  My  loss  this  day  was  considerable,  amounting  to  six  killed, 
and  eighty-three  wounded. 

On  Thursday,  the  5th  instant,  about  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received 
orders  to  move  my  command  immediately  up  the  plank  road  to  Chan- 
cellorsville.  I  commenced  the  march  at  once  in  one  of  the  hardest 
rains  I  have  ever  seen,  and  which  continued  with  less  violence»during 
the  whole  afternoon.  At  dark,  we  encamped  about  one  and  a-half 
miles  from  Chancellorsville  ;  and,  early  nexc  morning,  (Wednesday,) 
we  marched  to  Chancellorsville,  and  from  thence  down  the  Ely's  ford 
ioad  to  a  point  just  behind  Brooks'  house.  Here  we  were  halted  un- 
til about  noon,  when  I  was  ordered  to  retrace  my  steps,  (the  Yankees 
having  retired  beyond  the  river,)  and  take  my  men  into  their  camp,  in 
the  rear  of  Fredericksburg.  Thus  ended  the  eight  days  of  marching 
and  fighting. 


89 

I  cannot,  in  justice  to  the  brave  men  composing  this  command, 
close  my  brief  report  without  expressing  my  highest  admiration  for 
their  splendid  conduct  during  this  eventful  week.  No  man  ever  had 
better  or  braver  soldiers.  The  twenty-second  Georgia,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Warden,  and  the  forty-eighth  Georgia,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Carswell,  on  Friday,  near  the  iron  furnace,  acted  with  distinguished 
coolness  and  courage,  driving  a  vastly  superior  force  of  the  Yankees 
for  nearly  a  mile,  and  only  relinquished  further  pursuit  by  receiving 
orders  from  me  to  halt.  On  the  same  day,  Company  "  H,"  Captain 
Luckee,  of  the  third  Georgia,  and  company*''  B,"  Captain  Jones,  of 
the  second  Georgia  batttalion,  performed  efficient  and  valuable  ser- 
vice as  skirmishers,  during  the  advance,  and  firing  on  the  plank 
road.  , 

On  Saturday,  tho  third  Georgia  sustained  its  former  reputation  in 
engaging  and  actually  repulsing  two  brigades  of  the  enemy,  on  tho 
left  of  the  plank  road,  near  Chancellorsville. 

On  Sunday,  at  Chancellorsville,  and  again  on  Monday  afternoon,  near 
Fredericksburg,  th.2  entire  command  evinced  the  most  heroic  fortitude 
and  ohivalric  daring;  charging  in  both  instances  and  routing  the 
Yankee  infantry,  under  a  deadly  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries.  To 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Warden,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cars  well,  Major 
Ross  and  Major  Jones,  and  the  skillful  officers  and  brave  men  of  their 
commands  is  the  country  in  no  small  degree  indebted  for  the  splendid 
results  of  the  week. 

This  command  and  the  country  have  to  deplore  the  untimely  loss  of 
Captain  Heath,  of  the  twenty-second  Georgia,  Captain  Kendrick  and 
first  Lieutenant  Spier,  of  the  forty-eighth  Georgia,  who  were  killed 
on  Sunday,  near  Chancellorsville. 

To  Captain  Girardey,  A.    A    General,  Lieutenant   Hazlehnrst  and 
Captain  JBoll,  Aids-de-Camp,  I  am  greatly  indebted  for  their  valuable 
and  efficient  services  during  all  the  week's  operations. 
I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

A.  R.  WRIGHT, 
Brigadier  General  commanding  brigade. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PERRY. 

Headquarters  Perry's  Brigade,  ) 
May  9th,   18C3.  $ 

To  Major' Thomas  S.  Mills,  A.  A.  Genera! : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
part  taken  by  rny  command — consisting  of  the  second  and  eighth 
Florida  regiments — in  the  recent  engagements  in  Spottsylvania 
county : 

On  the  evening  of  the  29th  of  April,  in  compliance  with  orders 
from  division  headquarters,  I  moved  my  command  to  the  heights  in 
front  of  Falmouth,  and  throwing  my  pickets  out  to  the  river  bank, 
remained  in  line  of  battle  until  about  eleven  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  the  1st  of  May,  when,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  Major  General 
Anderson,  I  moved  with  my  command  up  the  plank  road,  and  into  the 
old  turnpike  road.  I  advanced  up  this  road  until  1  came' to  our  line 
of  battle,  held  by  Major  General  McLaws  on  the  right.  I  then 
received  an  order  from  Major  General  McLaws  to  form  my  brigade  on 
the  right  of  Brigadier  General  Wofford's  brigade.  This  threw  me 
some  distance  to  the  right  of  the  old  mine  road.  I  at  once  formed 
my  line  of  battle,  and  receiving  information  from  Major  General 
McLaws  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  on  the  old  mine  road,  I  threw 
out  skirmishers  and  so  disposed  my  line  as  to  enable  me  to  command 
both  the  old  mine  road  and  the  Dewson  mill  road.  Brigadier  General 
Wilcox  soon  coming  up  and  forming  his  brigade  on  my  right,  1  was 
relieved  from  giving  further  attention  to  the  Dewson  mill  road  and  re- 
sumed my  original  line,  my  right  regiment  resting  in  the  rifle-pits  on 
the  left  of  the  Dewson  mill  roa<J.  About  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received 
orders  from  Major  General  McLaws  to  double  my  line  of  skirmishers 
and  advance.  I  did  so  for  about  one  and  one-half  miles,  encounter- 
ing no  enemy  I  halted  with  Brigadier  General  Wofford's  brigade 
on  my  left.  Brigadier  General  Wilcox  not  receiving  orders  to 
advance  at  the  time,  did  not  join  my  right.  General  Wofford  having 
become  disconnected  from  the  line  on  his  left,  determined  to  bivouac 
for  the  night.  Accordingly  I  threw  out  a  strong  line  of  pickets  and 
disposed  my  men  for  rest.  They  were  very  much  exhausted  owing  to 
the  nature  of  the  country  through  which  they  h  d  advanced.  About 
ten  o'clock  I  received  an  order  to  retrace  my  steps  and  march  up  the 
turnpike  road  to  Major  General  McLaws'  position.  I  did  so,  and 
having  arrived  with  my  brigade  near  General  McLaws'  head- 
quarters, received  an  order  revoking  the  former  order  and  directing 
me  to  move  my  command  back  to  the  position  I  had  just  left. 
Having  retaken  that  position,  I  remained  until  morning,  everything 
in  my  front  continuing  quiet.  Brigadier  General  Wofford  having 
re-established  his  connection  with  the  line  on  his  left,  the  line  of  bat- 
tle was  advanced,  I  moving  in  conformity  with  the  line  on  my  left, 
keeping  out  a  strong  line  of  skirmishers,    and   sending   out  scouting 


91 

parties  to  my  front  and  right,  we  encountered  no  resistance  to  our 
advance.  The  enemy  falling  back  without  firing  a  gun,  we  took  a  few 
prisoners  and  found  some  abandoned  commissary  stores,  arms,  &c. 
About  four  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  line  was  closed  up  to  the  left 
by  order  from  Major  General  McLaws,  until  my  left  rested  a  few 
paces  to  the  right  of  the  pike  road.  My  skirmishers  here  became 
engaged  with  the  enemy,  driving  back  the  enemy's  skirmishers  and 
holding  the  ground  gained  against  a  brisk  fire  from  both  infantry  and 
artillery.  '  At  dark  I  received  an  order  from  Major  General  McLaws 
to  report  with  my  command  to  Major  General  Anderson,  on  the  left 
of  Mnjoi  General  McLaws'  line,  and  in  obedience  to  Major  General 
Anderson's  orders,  bivouacked  my  men  in  the  woods  for  rest,  tome- 
time  before  daylight  of  the  morning  of  the  third  of  May,  I  moved 
my  command,  by  direction  of  Major  General  Anderson,  down  the 
Catharpin  road  for  the  purpose  of  scouring  the  country  to  the  left  of 
and  rear  of  the  left  of  Major  General  Anderson's  line.  I  found  the 
country  clear  and  moved  up  by  the  furnace,  on  the  left  of  the  line, 
and  came  up  with  the  other  brigades  of  the  division,  near  to  the 
enemy's  works.  I  at  once  formed  my  line  of  battle  and  pushed  for- 
ward upon  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy's  works  on  the  left  of  the  line 
of  Major  General  Anderson's  division.  The  fire  was  quite  brisk  acre 
from  a  line  of  the  enemy,  thrown  back  at  right  angles  to  this  front, 
to  protect  hn  flank  and  rear.  This  line  soon  gave  way,  and  pushing 
forward,  I  found  myself  inside  of  his  breastworks.  Having  no  knowl- 
edge of  the  ground  and  the  woods  being  so  thick  as  to  entirely 
obstruct  the  view,  I  was  at  a  loss  for  some  time  aS  to  the  direction  of 
the  enemy's  next  line.  Their  musket  balls  soon  gave  me  the  proper 
direction,  and  I  changed  front,  and  sending  out  skirmishers,  soon 
found  their  line  on  the  thickly  wooded  hill  in  the  rear  of  their 
breastworks,  and  to  their  right  of  the  field  in  front  of  Chancellor's. 
I  ordered  a  charge,  and  the  enemy,  after  one  or  two  rounds,  broke  in 
the  utmost  confusion,  throwing  down  arms,  knapsacks,  &c.,  great 
numbers  of  them  running  into  our  lines. 

No  sooner  had  the  enemy's  lines  vanished  than  their  batteries 
poured  a  most  terrific  fire  of  grape  and  canister  into  my  lines.  The 
men  lying  down,  and  being  partially  protected  by  a  slight  ridge,  the 
fire  was  not  as  fatal  as  I  had  reason  to  fear.  Upon  going  to  the  front 
I  found  no  infantry  in  my  front,  between  me  and  the  turnpike  road, 
and  that  I  could  not  lead  my  men  against  the  enemy's  battery  with- 
out encountering  the  range  of  our  own  battery  on  the  left  of  the  rear 
of  my  line,  which  was  then  clearing  out  the  enemy,  in  double  quick 
time.  While  making  this  charge,  portions  of  two  other  brigades, 
who  were  lying  down  in  the  woods,  and  whom  a  portion  of  my  line 
had  charged  over,  rushed  back  from  the  sudden  and  terrific  fire  poured 
into  us  before  the  enemy  gave  way.  and  the  eighth  Florida  regiment, 
which  had  not  then  passed  over  them,  mistaking  them  for  the  left  of 
their  own  brigade,  allowed  themselves  to  be  swept  back  a  short  dis- 
tance by  them.  They  were  not,  however,  at  all  panic  stricken,  but  were 
rallied  at  once,  their  morale  and  spirit  in  no  manner  impaired.  I 
cannot  think  any  blame  should  be  attached  to  either  the  officers  or 


92     , 

the  men  of  the  regiment.  I  remained  in  that  position  until  the  rest 
of  the  division  was  marched  up  by  General  Anderson,  and  mo/ed  by 
the  right  flank  with  them  to  the  turnpike  road,  where  the  division 
halted.  Soon  after,  I  was  directed  by  order  from  General  Anderson, 
to  occupy  the  works  on  the  right  of  the  pike  road,  to  prevent  the 
enemy  from  throwing  a  force  into  them.  I  remained  in  those  works 
until  ordered  to  follow  the  division  towards  United  States  ford. 

That  night  I  halted  with  the  division — being  on  its  left — put  out 
strong  pickets,  and  rested  until  about  two  hours  before  day-light  of 
May  4th,  when  I  received  orders  to  throw  one  regiment  forward  upon 
each  of  two  roads  running  towards  the  ridge  occupied  by  the  enemy, 
in  the  rear  of  Chancellorsville,  I  sent  forward  the  fifth  Florida,  on 
the  road  leading  by  Grady's  house,  and  the  second  Florida,  about 
half  a  mile  further  to  the  left,  throwing  forward  a  connected  line  of 
skirmishers  in  front  of  the  two  regiments.  These  skirmishers  en- 
countered the  enemy's  pickets  in  considerable  force,  but  they  offered 
feeble  resistance,  and  were  pressed  back  a  mile  or  a  mile  and  a  half, 
to  the  enemy's  entrenchments.  I  was  then  ordered  by  General  An- 
derson to  draw  in  the  two  regiments  and  line  of  skirmisher.?  and 
follow  the  division  towards  Fredericksburg,  which  I  did,  and  was 
next  posted  on  the  left  of  the  line  of  the  division.  My  line  being  to 
the  rear  of  Downturn's  house,  Brigadier  General  Posey  being  oa  my 
right.  There  being  an  interval  of  three  quarters  of  a  mile  between 
my  left  and  the  right  of  General  McLaws'  line,  I  was  ordered  to  hold 
the  position,  I  then  occupied,  until  further  orders,  unless  when  the 
right  of  our  line  mid  advanced  up  the  plank  road  to  a  point  opposite 
me,  I  should  see  an  opportunity  to  strike.  I  had  thoroughly  scouted 
the  woods  to  my  left,  and  from  the  information  I  had  obtained,  felt 
confident  of  capturing  both  the  battery  at  Gregg's  house  and  much  of 
the  infantry,  thrown  up  between  that  and  Downman's  house.  That 
hope,  however,  as  well  as  all  opportunity  for  me,  in  the  position  in 
which  I  was  to  strike  a  single  blow  to  advantage,  was  destroyed  by 
Brigadier  General  Wright's  brigade  swinging  across  the  line  of  battle 
and  charging  across  the  field  in  my  front,  before  our  right  could  so 
engage  the  enemy  on  the  plank  road,  as  to  prevent  the  artillery  and 
infantry  from  escaping  by  that  road.  Upon  reporting  my  position  to 
General  Anderson,  I  wa3  directed  to  remain  there  until  morning. 

On  the  morning  of  May  5th,  by  direction  of  General  Anderson, 
I  moved  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Morgan  hotise,  on  the  plank  road  ;  there 
I  remained  until  about  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when,  with  the  other 
brigades  of  the  division,  I  moved  up  the  plank  road  and  bivouacked 
for  the  night.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  6th,  by  order  of  General 
Anderson,  I  detached  two  regiments,  posted  one  on  the  Catharpin 
road  and  one  at  fork  of  plank  road  and  the  road  leading  to  Spottsyl- 
vania  Court-IIouse,  halting  the  other  regiment  where  the  furnace 
road  crossed  the  plank  road.  About  one  o'clock,  I  called  in  my 
regiments  and  returned  to  my  old  camp. 

The  conduct  of  both  officers  and  men  of  my  command,  through  the 
tiresome  marches  and  continued  watching,  as  well  as  while  engaging 
the  enemy,  was  such  as  to  merit  high  praise.     The  firm  and  steadfast 


93 


courage  exhibited  especially  by  the  fifth  and  second  Florida  regiments 
in  the  charge  at  Chancellorsville,  attracted  my  particular  Stion 
I  am  indebted  to  Captain  McCaslan,  A.  A.  A.  General,  Lieutenant 
Taylor,  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant  Scott,  volunteer  aid-de-camp  and 
WuenantR.lcy  acting  inspector,  for  the  great  assistancePthey" 
rendered  me  by  their  attention  to  th#  duties  "and  gallant  conduct 
My  command  was  kept  supplied  with  rations  by  the  persevering 
energy  of  Major  Elder,  brigade  commissary.  Major  Ilink  e  b  r  ,  •  £ 
quartermaster,  for  his  untiring  efforts  to  aflcwJthe  suffer^  of  the 
wounded,  who  were  collected  at  the  station  awaiting  transportation 
of  casuames'      *  ™  ^  particuIar  thanks-     I   enclose   the  list 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  &c, 

E.  A.  PERRY, 
Brigadier  Gincral,  P.  A.  C.  S. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  MAHONE, 

Headquarters  Maiione's  Brigade,  Anderson's  Division,  ) 

May  27,  1863.      S 

To  Major  T.  S.  Mills, 

A.  A.  G.  Anderson's  Division,  First  Corps,  A.  N.  Va.  : 

Major  :  I  beg  leave  to  re;  ort  the  operations  of  this  brigade  in  the 
late  battles  of  the  Rappahannock. 

It  is    proper  to    premise,  that    this  brigade  with    that  of  General 
Posey,  had  been  stationed  near  the  United  States  ford  for  the  purpose 
of  defending   that  crossing  of  the   Rappahannock.     On  Wednesday, 
the  2'Hh  April,  it  was  reported  to  me  that  the  enemy  had  made  his 
appearance   in  force  at  the  Germana  and   Ely's  crossings  of  the  Rapi- 
dan      This  appearance  of  the  enemy  upon  our  flank  and  rear  rendered 
our  position  at  the  United  States  ford  no  longer  tenable,,  and  with  a 
view  to  checking  his  advance  upon  the  flank  of  our  army,  as  was  now 
clearly  discerned  to  be  his  aim.  the  two  brigades,  General  Posey's  and 
mine,  were  immediately  placed  in  position  near  Chancellorsville,  so 
as  to'cover  the   roads  from   the  Germana  and  Ely's  crossings  of  the 
Rapidan  and  that  of  the  United  States  ford,  uniting  at  Chancellors- 
villa.     In   the  meantime,  our  camps,  stores,  equipage,  transportation 
and  sick  were  sent  to  the  rear,  and  without  any  material  I033  of  any 
of  them.     The  brigades  occupied  their  position  at  Chancellorsville,  as 
indicated,  until  next  morning,  Thursday,  the  30th  instant,  when,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Major  General  commanding  the  division,  who  had 
happily  joined  us  during  the   night,   they   fell  beck   on   the  United 
States  mine  road,  this  brigade  at  an  1    covering   the   crossing   by  that 
road,  of  the  old  turnpike.       Before  leaving  our  position  at  ^Chancel- 
lorsville, however,  the  enemy's  cavalry  advanced  on  the   Ely's  ford 
road,    made    its  appearance,    and  after    a  precipitate    advance  upon 
our  picket,  capturing  several,  he  "subsequently   came  upon   our  rear 
"uard   the  twelfth  Virginia  infantry,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Field   com- 
manding, and  was  repulsed  so  effectually  as  to  leave  us  free  from  any 
further°annoyance  during   the  change  of  position,   to   which  I  have 
already  referred,  and  then  in  process  of  execution.     Shortly  after  we 
had  taken  up  our  new  line,  at  the  intersection  of  the  mine  and   turn- 
pike roads,  the  enemy  came  down  the  turnpike  in  considerable  force  of 
cavalry  and  infantry,  but  nothing  occurred  at  this  point  beyond  a  little 
skirmishing  with  his  sharpshooters  and  reconnoitering  parties.     The 
next  day   Friday,  1st  May,  this  brigade  led  on   the   turnpike  in  the 
general  advance  of  our  forces,  and  very  shortly  engaged  the  enemy 
under  General  Sikes,  when  we  had  quite  a  brisk  little  engagement, 
artillery  and  infantry,  Major  General   McLaws   commanding.       The 
enemy,   (United  States   regulars,)   many  of  whom-  we  captured,  was 
promptly  repulsed,  and  our  line-of-battle,  now  formed,   was   moved 
rapidly  forward  to  a  point  on  the  turnpike  south  of  Chancellorsville, 
about  one  and  a  quarter  miles,  known  as  McGees.     This  brigade  con- 


tinued  here  with  Major  General  McLaws'  forces  confronting  the  ene- 
my's line-of-battle  in  that  quarter,  until  the  next  day,  when  it  was 
transferred  and  occupied  our  frcnt  line  immediately  on  the  left  of  the 
plank  road.  In  this  position  we  continued,  up  to  the  fall  of  Chancel- 
lorsville,. engaging  the  enemy  more  or  less  warmly  as  the  progress  of 
(general  Jackson's  operations  on  his  flank  and  rear  seemed  to  call  for, 
and  as  the  range  of  his,  General  Jackson's,  enfilading  fire  would 
allow.  It  was  during  this  service  of  the  brigade  that  the  advance 
line  of  skirmishers  of  the  sixth  Virginia  infantry,  Colonel  George  T. 
Rodgers,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Captain  W.  Carter  Wil- 
liams, charged  over  the  enemy's  abattis,  near  the  plank  road,  fired 
upon  him  in  his  rifle  pits,  captured  prisoners  from  four  different 
regiments  and  the  colors  and  color-bearer  of  the  one  hundred  and 
3eventh  Ohio,  returning  to  his  position,  with  his  handful  of  men,  with 
the  loss  of  an  officer  as  prisoner.  This  gallant  and  successful  sortie 
was  made  a  little  after  dark,  Saturday  the  2d  May,  when  General 
Jackson's  fire  was  heavy  and  it  was  in  fighting  over  the  same  ground 
the  next  morning  that  the  valiant  Williams  fell,  mortally  wounded. 
The  standard,  a  most  elegantly  finished  work,  was  duly  delivered. 
Immediately  following  the  fall  of  Chancellorsville.  this  brigade  was 
sent,  with  a  brigade  of  Major  General  McLaws'  division,  to  look  after 
the  enemy,  then  reported  to  be  advancing  up  the  plank  road  from 
Fredericksburg,  under  General  Sedgwick  Meeting  General  Wilcox, 
with  his  brigade,  about  the  divergence  of  the  plank  and  turnpike 
roads,  and  fin. ling  that  the  enemy  was  ically  and  rapidly  advancing, 
it  v,  as  at  once  determined  to  meet  him  at  the  Salem  church.  At  this 
point,  possessing  the  advantages  of  ground,  our  line  was  formed.  In 
the  meantime  Major  General  McLaws  had  joined  us  with  the  balance 
of  his  division.  My  brigade,  in  the  spirited  fight  at  thi«  place,  occu- 
pied the  extreme  left  of  the  line,  lying  wholly  in  the  woods,  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  successful  resistance  made  to  the  enemy's  very  deter- 
mined effort  to  break  our  lines  at  that  point.  Upon  the  conclusion  of 
this  battle,  Tuesday,  the  oth  May,  the  brigade  rejoined  its  division. 
The  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men,  as  well  in  bearing  the  hardships 
and  privati  >ns  attending  eight  consecutive,  days  of  exposure  and 
excitement,  as  well  as  in  battle,  deserve  high  commendation,  and  at 
least  this  acknowledgement  at  my  hands.  The  twelfth  Virginia, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Field  commanding,  for  its  rapid  and  efficient 
resistance  of  the  superior  forces  of  the  enemy,  while  covering  the 
formation  of  our  lines-of-battle  on  the  turnpike,  Friday,  the  1st  of 
May.  The  sixth  Virginia,  Colonel  Rogers  commanding,  for  its  vig- 
orous pressure  and  bold  sorties  upon  the  enemy  and  his  works  around 
Chancellorsville,  Saturday  and  Sunday,  the  2d  and  3d  of  May,  for  its 
veteran-like  behavior  at  Salem  church,  receiving  without  disorder  the 
enemy's  sudden  fire  while  moving  by  the  flanks.  And  the  sixty-first 
Virginia,  Colonel  Grover,  for  its  gallaut  and  successful  skirmish  with 
the  enemy  during  the  formation  of  our  lines  at  the  Salem  church, 
deserves  special  mention  ;  while  the  part  borne  by  the  sixteenth  Vir- 
ginia, Lieutenant  Colonel  Whitehead  commanding,  and  the  foity-first 
Virginia,  Colonel  Parham  commanding,  was  everywhere,  though  less 


96 


arduous,  well  and  bravely  performed.  In  this  connection  it  is  but 
due  th;it  I  should  record  here  my  high  appreciation  of  the  efficient 
and  gallant  conduct  of  the  staff  officers  with  me,  Captain  R.  Taylor, 
A.  A.  General,  and  First  Lieutenant  Richard  Walke,  ordnance  officer. 
Among  the  gallant  spirits  who  were  seriously  wounded,  Captain  Banks, 
company  E,  twelfth  Virginia  infantry,  mr.st  be  mentioned.  He  fell 
among  the  foremost  in  the  skirmish  fight  of  his  regiment  on  the  turn- 
pike, May  1st,  and  was  at  the  time  commanding  our  advance  guard. 
His  conduct  on  this  occasion  was  beautifully  heroic.  The  number  of 
prisoners  taken  by  the  brigade  was  large,  but  cannot  be  accurately 
stated,  owing  to  the  hurried  and  detached  manner  in  which  they  had 
to  be  sent  to  the  rear, 
ties  were  as  follows  : 


The  casualties  of  the  brigade  in  all  these  bat- 


REGIMENT, 

Officers. 

Men. 

Total. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

Killed 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

41st    •'           "      

16th    "           "      

eist   "         "     

Delail  building  bridge 
at  Gerruana 

1 

2 

i 

3 
1 

6 

2 
1 

3 

5 
7 
4 
1 
4 

29 
32 
20 
16 
25 

48 
5 

3 

35 

86 
47 
29 
IS 
37 

38 

Total 

S 

12 

6 

21 

122 

91 

255 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  MAHONE, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WILCOX. 

Headquarters  Wilcox's  Brigade,  ) 
Near  Salem  Church,  May   10,  1863.       \ 

Major  Thomas  S.  Mills, 

A.  A.  General  of  Division  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
borne  by  my  brigade  in  the  recent  engagements  with  the  enemy   ia 
this  vicinity,  commencing  on  the  let  and  ending  on  the  5th  instant 
On  the  29th  ultimo,  orders  were  received  to  be  ready  to  move  at  a 
moment's  notice,  it  being  known   that  the  enemy  were  advancing   i:i 
heavy  force  from   the  direction  of   Chancellorsville.     The  following 
day,  artillery  was  heard  at  intervals,  in  that  vicinity,  and  on  the  next., 
the  1st  instant,  the  brigade  moved  (under  orders)  up  the  plank  road, 
andcame  soon  within  hearing  of  musketry.     Arriving  at  the  intersection 
of   the  plank    road  and  the  old  turnpike,  the   command   followed  the 
latter ;   and  it  was  not  long  before  they  came  under  a  distant  artillery 
fire,  our  troops  being  at  the  time  engaged  skirmishing  with  the  enemy 
about  one  mile  off.     Having  reported  to  General  McLaws,  command- 
ing on  this  road,  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  the  right,  on  the  mind 
road;  and  a  battery  was  directed  to  be  posted,  with  the  view  of  en 
gaging  one  of  the  enemy's,  then  sweeping,  with  its  fire,  the  old  turn- 
pike.     Lewis'  battery,  attached  to  my  command,  was  soon  in  position. 
The  enemy,  however,  ceasing  to  fire,  the  brigade  was  formed  in  line 
on  the  right  of  General  Perry's  brigade,  and  this  on  the  right  of  Gen- 
eral Wofford.     This  brought  my  command  to  occupy,  in  part,  a  line  of 
rifle-pits  running  from  Banks'  ford  to  within  a  few  hundred  yards  ci 
the  mine  road.     Half-past  six,  P.  M.,  orders  were  received  to  advanee 
to  the  front.     This   forward   movement  was  continued,  though  witb 
much  difficulty,  owing  to  the  densely  thick  forest,  till  the  darkness  cf 
the  night  rendered  it  impracticable  to  go  further.     The  command  was 
halted  near  Dewson's  mills,  on  Mott  run,  three-quarters  of  a  : 
from  the  Rappahannock;  and  having  established  pickets*  in  front  and 
on  our  flanks,  the  command  bivouacked  for   the  night.     Two  com- 
panies  were   ordered   out  ou   patrol,  with   the    view   of  ascertaining 
whether  or  not  the  enemy  occupied  the  river  road  near  Dicker 
and  if  not,  to  communicate  with  our  pickets  left  near   Banks1  ford. 
The  enemy  were  found  not  to  occupy  the  river  road,  the  companies 
returning,  captured  three  Federal  soldiers  making  their  way,  so  tkej 
stated,  to  the  United  States  ford.     Ten,  P.  M  ,  ordehe  were  rec< 
to  return  to  the  old  turnpike,  and  halt  for  the  remainder  of  the  night,   t 
in  rear  and  near  the  advance  troops  on  that   road.     This  point  wan 
reached  near  half-past  iwo,  A.  M.,  and  soon  after  orders  came  to  return 
to  Baul  i1  i   i  1,  and  to  hold  it  at  all  hazards — it  being  reported  that  th-"? 
enemy  were  in  force  there,   and  threatened  to  cross  ;  the   ford 
reached  at  daylight.     The  command  had  thus  been  on  the  march  thd 
entire  night.     The  2d  instant,  the  brigade  remained  near  Banks'  ford 
7 


98 

Lar~e  bodies  of  the  enemy's  infantry  and  artillery  were  seen  moving 
op  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  Artillery  was  also  heard  in  the 
direction  of  Chancellorsville.  Strong  pickets  were  kept  up  during  the 
night  near  the  ford.  'Having  visited  my  line  of  pickets  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  3d  instant,  I  found  that  the  enemy  had  reduced  very  much, 
apparently,  his  force.  The  sentinels  on  post  had  their  haversacks 
on — a  thing  unusual.  This  induced  me  to  believe  that  much  of  the 
force  from  Banks'  ford  had  been  sent  to  Chancellorsville  ;  and  having 
beer,  ordered  the  day  before,  by  the  commanding  General,  to  leave  a 
small  force  to  watch  the  ford/if,  in  my  judgment,  I  was  satisfied  that 
the  enemy  did  not  intend  to  cross,  and  then  move  up  the  plank  road. 
Reporting  the  fact  to  him  I  relieved  my  pickets,  being  convinced,  as 
stated,  that  the  enemy  had  removed  most  of  his  forces  from  Banks' 
ford,  and  did  not  intend  crossing  there.  Leaving  only  about  fifty  men 
and  two  pieces  of  artillery  to  guard  Banks'  ford,  my  command  was 
feeing  formed  to  march  to  Chancellorsville,  when  one  of  my  pickets 
(infantry)  came  running  from  the  canal  in  front  of  Dr.  Taylor's,  to 
report  to  me  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  up  the  road  between  the 
canal  and  the  river.  Hurrying  rapidly  to  the  canal,  I  saw  the  enemy 
advancing  on  the  direct  road  from  Fredericksburg,  three  regiments 
being  seen,  the  leading  one  not  more  than  one  thousand  yards  distant. 
Gathering  in  my  pickets  along  the  canal  and  at  the  dam  above  Tay- 
lor's— in  all  less  than  twenty  men — they  were  deployed  as  skirmishers 
on  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  front  of  Dr.  Taylor's,  and  near  the  canal. 
Two  rifle  pieces  of  Ilugers  battery,  already  prepared  to  move  to  Chan- 
ceDcr.viile,  were  ordered  into  position  in  the  battery  across  the  road 
from  Taylor's.  While  these  dispositions  were  being  made,  our  in- 
fantry were  seen  taking  position  in  the  rifle-pits  near  Stanbury's 
Souse:  Huger's  two  rifle  pieces  being  now  in  position,  opened  with 
a  fire  of  shells  upon  the  enemy,  who  had  halted  in  the  road  upon  the 
display  of  our  skirmishers.  The  advanced  one  of  these  regiments 
EQored  down  the  river  in  front  of  Falmouth,  and  sought  shelter  from 
Gmt  artillery  fire  in  the  rifle-pits  along  the  river.  The  other  regi- 
ments remained  in  the  road,  lying  down,  the  stone  knolls  on  either 
side  of  which  gave  good  protection.  The  enemy  being  so  easily 
checked  by  the  display  of  such  a  small  force  on  our  side,  I  was  in- 
duced to  believe  that  it  was  only  a  demonstration  to  keep  us  near 
'Fredericksburg,  and  prevent  reinforcements  from  going  to  Chancel- 
lors ^ille.  Seeing  a  group  of  officers  near  Stansbury's  house,  I  rode  to 
them,  and  met  Generals  Barksdale  and  Hays.  The  former  informed 
ins  thajfc  the  enemy  were  in  considerable  force  in  and  below  Freder- 
id:3burg.  This  was  the  first  intimation  I  had  of  the  fact,  and  ex- 
pressed some  anxiety  as  to  his  right  flank,  and  said  that  he  should 
nave  reinforcements.  I  now  determined  not  to  move  my  command  up 
jfcfce  road  until  I  knew  definitely  the  intention  of  the  enemy,  and 
Ordered  them  in  the  ravine  opposite  Dr.  Taylor's,  where  they  would 
o'e  near,  and  yet  out  of  sight. 

I  new  rode  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Marye  house  to  see  and  confer 
.Vith  General  Barksdale.  While  near  this  house,  I  saw  great  num- 
bers of  the  enemy  in  Fredericksburg,  and  a  batter j  in  the  street,  run- 


99 

ning  near  the  ceractry,  was  firing  occasional  shots  at  a  battery  of 
our's,  to  the  left  of  th<j  plank  road.  I  returned  to  my  command 
■without  seeing  General  Barksdale,  and,  on  my  return,  saw  several 
regiments  of  the  enemy's  infantry  moving  out  of  the  upper  edge  of 
the  town. 

I  had  been  with  my  command  but  a  few  minutes,  when  one  of  Gen- 
eneral  Barksdale's  staff  reported  to  me  that  the  General  was  hard 
pressed,  and  wanted  me  to  send  him  a  regiment.  1  instantly  ordered 
the  tenth  Alabama  to  move  in  the  direction  of  the  Marye  house,  and 
rode  rapidly  in  tint  direction  myself,  and  when  in  the  open  field  and 
high  ground  between  Stansbury's  and  the  plank  road,  saw  Hays'  brigade 
moving  over  in  the  direction  of  the  plank  road.  This  I  supposed  to 
be  for  the  support  of  General  Barksdale;  but,  upon  inquiry  from 
one  of  Hays'  regiments,  learned  that  the  enemy  had  taken  Mirye's 
hill,  and  a  portion  of  two  of  Barksdale's  regiments,  and  that  Hays' 
brigade  was  falling  back  to  the  telegraph  road.  Soon  a  courier  from 
General  Barksdale  confirmed  this  report,  and  with  a  suggestion 
from  General  Barksdale  that  I  also  had  better  fall  back  to  the  tele- 
graph road. 

On  the  left  of  the  plank  road  the  ground  in  rear  of  Maryc's  hill  is 
higher,  and  overlooks  and  commands  well  that  hill.  Believing  that 
my  own  and  Hays'  brigade  could  form  in  line  extending  from  near 
Stansbury's  house  along  the  crests  of  hills  towards  the  plank  road, 
and  contest  the  field,  at  least  for  a  time,  successfully  with  the  enemy, 
[  asked  General  Hays'  not  to  cross  the  plank  road,  but  to  remain 
with  me  ;  this  he  declined  doing,  having  been  ordered  to  fall  back  to 
the  telegraph  road,  and  was  soon  ought  of  sight. 

Thus  far  I  have  given  a  simple  narrative  of  incidents  as  they  oc- 
curred. Finding  myself  alone  on  the  left  of  the  plank  road,  with  the 
enemy  in  full  view  on  the  crests  of  the  first  range  of  hills  in  re  ir  oi 
Fredericksburg,  and  with  three  times  my  own  force  clearly  s<  en  and 
in  line,  I  felt  it  a  duty  to  delay  the  enemy  as  much  as  possible  in  his 
advance,  and  to  endeavor  to  check  him  all  that  I  could,  should  he 
move  forward  on  the  plank  road.  I,  with  this  view,  formed  my  brig- 
ade promptly  in  line  along  the  crests  of  the  hill,  running  near 
Stansbury's  house,  at  light  angles  to  the  plank  road.  Two  rifle 
pieces  of  Lewis'  battery  were  placed  in  position  to  the  rear  of  the 
left  of  my  line,  and  two  slightly  in  front  of  my  right,  which  rested 
some  five  or  six  hundred  yards  in  front  of  Guest's  house;  skirmish- 
ers were  thrown  forward,  covering  my  entire  front.  As  soon  as  the 
four  pieces  of  artillery  vere  in  position,  they  opened  fire  upon  the 
enemy's  lines,  some  eight  or  nine  hundred  yards  to  the  front.  This 
held  the  enemy  in  check  for  some  time.  At  length  they  depl 
skirmishers  to  the  front,  and  began  to  advance.     This  I  ,  an  1 

delayed  by  frequent  halts — they  seemed  reluctant  to  advance.  The 
enemy  now  brought  a  six-gun  battery  to  the  front,  on  the  left  of  the 
plank  road,  not  far  from  M  irye's  hous?,  and  opened  with  a  fire  of  shells. 
upon  my  line.     The  ei  I  -;  now  advanced,  and  col- 

our's, not  nearer,  however,  than  three  hundred  and  fifty  or  Tour  hun- 
dred yards,  their  solid  lines  remaining  some  distance  behind  the  skir- 


100 

mishers.  The  enemy's  battery  having  fired  for  some  time,  both  the 
skirmishers  and  lines  in  rear  advanced.  They  had  also  moved  by  a 
flank  across  the  plank  road,  and  it  was  reported  to  me  that  they  were 
moving  up  on  the  far  side  of  the  road,  and  were  in  a  line  with  my 
right  flank.  The  artillery  was  now  directed  to  withdraw.  Then  the 
skirmishers  rejoined  their  regiments,  and  all  moved  to  the  rear  on 
the  river  road,  half  a  mile  in  rear  of  Dr.  Taylor's,  where  they  were 
halted  for  a  few  minutes. 

In  this  affair  with  the  enemy,  Lieutenant  Barksdale,  of  Lewis' 
battery  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  shoulder,  from  a  piece  of 
shell ;  three  infantry  killed,  and  eighteen  or  twenty  wounded  by  skir- 
mishers. From  this  slight  affair  with  the  enemy,  I  felt  confident  if 
forced  to  retire  along  the  plank  road,  that  I  could  do  so  without  pre- 
cipitancy, and  that  ample  time  could  be  given  for  reinforcements  to 
reach  us  from  Chancellorsville ;  and  moreover,  I  believed  that  should 
the  enemy  pursue,  he  could  be  attacked  in  rear  by  General  Earl^, 
reinforced  by  Generals  Hays  and  Barksdale.  I  now  directed  Major 
Collins,  Virginia  cavalry,  who  was  with  me,  with  some  forty  or  fifty 
men,  to  move  over  to  the  plank  road,  slightly  in  rear  of  Downman's, 
and  dismounting  a  part  of  his  men  in  rear  of  a  thicket  of  pine,  to  de- 
ploy them  to  the  rigbt  and  left  of  the  read,  as  skirmishers.  The  com- 
mand then  moved  on  to  the  red  church,  (Salem  church,)  on  the  plank 
road.  The  enemy  followed  up  the  plank  road,  and  halted  when  the 
skirmishers  of  Major  Collins  were  seen  by  them.  Having  examined 
the  ground  near  the  toll-gate,  I  determined  to  make  a  short  stand 
there.  My  brigade  was  then  moved  back  in  line  from  Salem  church, 
and  halted  in  rear  of  the  gate  ;  two  rifle  pieces  were  placed  in  the 
road,  and  we  waited  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  They  were  soon 
heard  to  fire  on  Major  Collins'  skirmishers,  who  retired  after  a  sbort 
skirmish,  and  at  length  appeared  in  lines,  preceded  by  skirmishers. 
Major  Collins'  men  now  retired  to  the  rear,  and  skirmishers  were  de- 
ployed from  two  regiments  to  their  front.  Our  artillery  opened  fire 
upon  the  enemy's  advancing  lines  ;  this  caused  a  halt,  and  a  slight 
fire  ensued  between  the  skirmishers.  The  enemy  now  brought  up  ar- 
tillery, and  began  a  brnk  shelling  of  our  lines.  At  this  time  Major 
Geggin,  A.  A.  General,  to  General  McLaws,  reported  to  me  that 
General  McLaws  had  sent  three  brigades  to  my  support,  and  that  they 
would  soon  arrive.  These  brigades  were  directed  to  be  halted  in  rear 
of  the  church,  and  out  of  view  of  the  enemy.  In  this  affair  with  the 
enemy.  Lieutenant  Cobb,  of  Lewis'  battery,  received  a  severe  wound 
in  the  arm,  rendering  it  impossible  to  command  his  pieces  longer,  they 
were  then  ordered  to  the  rear  ;  three  of  the  infantry  were  killed  and 
fifteen  wounded.  My  command  was  now  ordered  back  to  the  church. 
The  conduct  of  my  men  during  all  this  time  was  such  as  I  knew  it 
would  be,  leaving  nothing  to  be  desired,  and  I  felt  the  utmost  confidence 
in  my  abilily  to  make  a  successful  stand  at  the  church  with  the  three 
supporting  brigades.  At  Salem  church,  line  of  battle  was  formed, crosss- 
ing  the  roadat  right  angles;  two  regiments  of  my  brigade,  the  eleventh 
and  fourteenth  Alabama,  were  on  the  left  of  the  road,  the  latter  on  the 
left  of  the  two  ;  the  tenth  Alabama  on  the  right  next  to  the  road,  and  the 


101 

eighth  Alabama  on  the  right  of  the  tenth.  There  was  an  interval  of 
seventy-five  or  eighty  yards  between  the  left  of  the  tenth  and  the 
right  of  the  eleventh.  In  this  interval  on  the  road  four  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery were  in  battery  ;  the  ninth  Alabama  was  in  rear  of  the  tenth, 
one  company  of  the  ninth  being  stationed  in  the  school-house  to  the 
right  of  the  church,  and  in  front  some  sixty  yards.  A  second  com- 
pany of  this  regiment  was  placed  in  the  church,  with  orders  to  fire 
from  the  windows  of  the  lower  floor,  and  from  the  windows  of  the 
gallery,  (This  church  being  occupied  with  furniture  of  refugees  from 
Fredericksburg.)  Such  was  the  formation  of  my  brigade  for  battle. 
I  am  thus  particular  in  giving  details  for  the  reason  that  the  principal 
attack  was  made  at  the  church  and  its  immediate  vicinity.  Kershaw's 
brigade  was  on  the  right  of  my  brigade,  Semraes  and  Mahone  on  the 
left — Mahone  to  the  left  of  Semmes.  The  brigades  had  not  been  in 
position  long,  before  the  enemy  were  seen  advancing  up  the  plank 
road,  in  line  of  battle  ;  their  lines  crossed  the  road  at  right  angles; 
a  field  battery  accompanied  their  advance.  This  was  halted  at  the 
gate,  about  one  thousand  yards  distant,  and  soon  opened  with  a  brisk 
fire  of  shells  upon  our  battery  near  the  church;  the  two  batteries 
fired  some  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  when  ours  was  withdrawn,  for 
the  want  of  ammunition.  The  enemy  then  threw  shells  to  the  right 
and  left  of  the  church,  through  the  woods,  endeavoring  to  reach  our  in- 
fantry. These  latter  were  w  dl  protected  while  lying  down,  an  1  no  cas- 
ualties occurred  from  explosions  of  shells.  The  enemy's  artillery 
ceased  to  fire  near  five  o'clock,  P.  M.  Their  skirmishers  then  advanced, 
and  a  spirited  fire  ensued  between  the  skirmishers  for  some  fifteen 
or  twenty  minutes.  Ours  then  retired,  firing  as  they  fell  back ;  the  en- 
emy's skirmishers  pursued,  followed  by  their  solid  lines  of  infantry,  an  1 
Ftill  a  third  line  in  rear,  on  either  side  of  the  road.  As  they  advanced  from 
the  toll-gate,  were  open  fields,  and  the  ground  slightly  ascending  ;  these 
fields  continued  to  Avithin  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the 
church,  and  then  woods,  thick,  but  of  small  growth.  When  the  front 
line  of  the  enemy  reached  this  wood,  they  made  a  slight  halt,  then  giving 
three  cheers,  they  came  with  a  rush,  driving  our  skirmishers  rapidly 
before  them.  Our  men  held  their  fire  till  their  men  came  within  less 
than  eighty  yards,  and  then  delivered  a  close  and  terrible  fire  upon  them, 
killing  and  wounding  many,  and  causing  many  of  them  to  waver  and 
give  way.  The  enemy  still  press  on,  surround  the  school  house  and 
capture  the  entire  company  of  the  ninth  Alabama,  stationed  in  it.  and 
pressing  hard  upon  the  regiment  in  rear  of  the  school-houso.  tl. 
it  into  confusion  and  disorder,  and  forces  it  to  yield  ground.  The  ninth 
Alabama  regiment  in  rear  of  this  regiment,  spring  forward  as  one 
man,  and.  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  restores  the  continuity  of 
our  line,  breaking  the  lines  of  the  enemy  by  its  deadly  fire,  and  forc- 
ing him  to  give  way,  and  following  him  so  that  he  could  not  rally, 
retake  the  school-house,  free  the  captured  company,  and  in  turn  take 
their  captors  ;  the  entire  line  of  the  enemy  on  the  right  of  the  road 
is  repulsed,  and  our  men  follow  in  rapid  pursuit.  The  regiment  that 
had  given  way  to  the  first  onset  of  th?  enemy  now  returned  to  the 
attack    and   joined    in    the    pursuit.      The    enemy    did  not    assail 


102 

with  the  same  spirit  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  were  more  easily 
repulsed,  and  now  are  followed  on  either  side  of  the  road,  which  is 
crowded  with  a  confused  mass  of  the  discomfitted  enemy.  With  a  good 
battery  to  play  upon  this  retreating  mass,  the  carnage  would  have 
been  terrific.  There  was  no  rallying  or  reforming  of  this  line.  An- 
other line  came  up  the  plank  road  at  a  double-quick,  and  filing  to  the 
right  and  left,  formed  line  in  front  of  my  brigade.  This  line  was 
scarcely  formed  before  they  were  broken  by  the  fire  of  my  men,  and 
fled  to  the  rear.  The  pursuit  continued  as  far  as  the  toll-gate. 
Semmes'  brigade  and  my  own  were  the  only  troops  that  followed  the 
retreating  enemy.  In  rear  of  the  gate  wore  heavy  reserves  of  the 
enemy.  Our  men  were  now  halted  and  reformed,  it  being  quite  dark, 
and  retired  not  pursued  by  the  enemy,  leaving  pickets  far  tp  the  front 
in  the  open  field. 

The  vigor  of  the  enemy's  attack  at  the  church,  was  doubtless  due 
to  the  fact  that  they  believed  there  was  only  one  brigade  to  resist 
them,  and  that  they  anticipated  an  easy  affair  of  it ;  while  the  number 
of  dead  and  wounded  left  on  the  field,  attests  the  obstinacy  of  the 
resistance  of  our  men — two  hundred  of  the  former  and  more  than 
one  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  latter  ;  and  largely  over  two  hundred 
prisoners  not  wounded,  and  one  Federal  flag  captured.  Thus  ended 
this  spirited  conflict  at  Salem  church — a  bloody  repulse  to  the 
enemy,  rendering  entirely  useless  to  him  his  little  success  of  the 
morning  at  Fredericksburg.  The  rear  of  our  army  at  Chancellorsville, 
was  now  secure  and  free  from  danger,  and  the  sixth  army  corps  of 
the  enemy  and  a  part  of  the  second,  were  now  content  to  remain  on 
the  defensive. 

I  beg  to  assure  the  Major  General  commanding,  that  the  conduct 
of  both  officers  and  men  of  the  brigade,  was  in  the  highest  degree 
creditable.  They  were  furiously  attacked  by  superior  forces,  and  not 
only  stood  their  ground  but  repulsed  the  enemy  with  great  loss, 
pursued  him,  and  encountering  a  second  line  in  their  pursuit,  they 
scattered  and  dispersed  this  body  also  ;  night  and  want  of  ammunition 
prevented  a  further  pursuit.  This  success,  so  brilliant  for  our  men, 
was  dearly  earned  by  the  sacrifice  of  the  lives  of  seventy -five  of  the 
noble  sons  of  Alabama,  and  the  wounding  of  three  hundred  and  seventy- 
two,  and  forty -eight  missing,  an  aggregate  of  four  hundred  and  nintty- 
Jive;  of  the  missing,  the  most  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 
woune'ed  in  the  early  part  of  the  day  near  Stansbury's  and  afterwards 
at  the  toll  gate.  Six  officers  were  killed  and  twenty-three  wounded,  the 
killed  were  Captain  It.  A.  McCrary,  eighth  Alabama,  a  valuable  officer 
much  lamented  by  his  regiment ;  Captain  W.  C.  Murphy,  ninth  Ala- 
bama, highly  distinguished  at  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  where  he 
received  two  severe  wounds.  He  fell  at  Salem  church,  in  the  thickest 
<of  the  fight,  and  in  advance  of  his  men.  Lieutenant  Harper,  tenth 
Alabama,  Lieutenant  Strudwick,  eleventh  Alabama,  Lieutenants  Bank- 
ston  and  Cox,  fourteenth  Alabama,  all  fell  fighting  with  the  heroism 
of  veteran  soldiers,  against  greatly  superior  forces  of  the  enemy. 
Among  the  severely  wounded,  are  Colonel  Royston,  eighth  Alabama, 
Colonel  Pinkard,  fourteenth  Alabama,  Major  McCord,  fourteenth  Ala- 


103 

bama,  Captain  Cook,  tenth  Alabama,  Lieutenants  Barksdale  and  Cobb, 
Lewis'  battery,  all  alike  distinguished  for  their  intelligence  ami  valor. 

I  cannot  call  to  your  notice  all  officers  that  are  deserving  of  espe- 
cial praise,  for  the  conduct  of  all  was  excellent  ;  I  will,  however, 
report  that  the  five  regimental  commanders,  Colonel  Royston,  eighth 
Alabama,  and  after  his  severe  wound,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Herbert, 
who  commanded  the  eighth  Alabama;  Colonel  Pinkard,  fourteefitjtt 
Alabama;  Colonel  Forney,  tenth  Alabama;  Colonel  Sanders,  eleventh 
Alabama;  Major  Williams,  ninth  Alabama,  were  intelligent,  energetic 
and  gallant  in  commanding,  directing  and  leading  their  men.  The 
brigade  slept  on  the  field  at  Salem  church  on  the  night  of  the  3rd 
instant.  On  the  morning  of  the  4th,  the  enemy  were  seen  in  our  front 
and  fired  occasional  shots  during  the  day, from  a  battery  some  ono  thous- 
and two  hundred  yards  distant.  Three  additional  brigades  arrived  on 
the  4th,  and  late  in  the  afternoon,  a  general  advance  was  made  against 
the  enemy — Early  on  the  right.  Anderson  in  the  centre  and  McLawfl 
holding  his  position  on  the  left,  the  enemy  gave  way  rapidly,  and  was 
soon  driven  across  the  river,  having  been  on  this  side  little  over 
twenty-four  hours.  I  followed  the  enemy  in  the  direction  of  Banks* 
ford,  with  two  regiments,  eighth  and  ninth  Alabama,  of  my  brigade, 
supported  by  Kershaw's  brigade ;  this  advance  being  made  about  half 
past  nine,  P.  M.  Above  and  near  Banks'  ford,  thirteen  officer'-'  and 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men  were  taken  prisomrs,  among  the  olhcera, 
one  Lieutenant  Colonel,  one  Major  and  two  Captains.  No  loss  on  our 
side  in  this  affair.  Captains  King  and  May,  ninth  Alabama,  were 
distinguished  for  their  activity  and  gallantry,  having  captured  these 
prisoners  with  their  two  companies.  Manly's  battery  rendered  valua- 
ble services  in  shelling  the  retreating  enemy  near  Banks'  ford, 
twenty  of  the  enemy  were  wounded  by  this  shelling  and  fell  into  OUT 
hands  the  next  day,  and  many  were  killed. 

The  morning  of  the  5th  instant,  the  brigade  moved  in  the  direction 
of  Chancellorsville,  in  common  with  the  other  brigades  of  the  division, 
and  bivouacked  during  the  night,  to  the  left  and  near  Chancellorsville. 
Next  morning  moved  out  to  take  our  position  in  line  of  battle,  bat 
soon  ascertained  that  the  enemy  had  retired  and  recrosscd  the  Rappa- 
hannock, the  brigade  then  returned  to  its  former  camp  near  Banks' 
ford.  Whilst  ray  entire  command  acqaited  themselves  handsomely  in 
their  engagement  of  the  3rd  instant,  with  the  enemy,  I  cannot  close 
this  report  without  calling  to  your  especial  notice  the  conduct  of  one 
entire  regiment  of  the  brigade,  the  ninth  Alabama.  This  regiment, 
the  weakest  in  numbers,  occupied  a  position  in  rear  of  the  strongest 
regiment  of  the  brigade  ;  this  strong  regiment  hotly  pressed  by  the 
enemy  in  heavy  force  was  thrown  into  confusion  an  I  gave  way,  the 
ninth  Alabama,  sprang  forward  instantly  into  the  vacant  space  l<  :t 
in  our  line  and  boldly  confronting  the  enemy  and  by  a  close  and 
deadly  fire  of  musketry,  broke  his  line  and  drove  him  back. 

To' my  staff,  Captain  W.  K.  Winn,  A.  A.  General,  and  Lieutenant 
M.  M.  Lindsay,    aid- de-camp,    I    am    under   obligation3  for 
cheerfully  rendered   during    our  recent  operations.     Captain    Yi       I 
was  conspicious  for  his  gallantry  at  Salem  church,  in  assisting  to  rally 


104 

fc?icl  reform  promptly,  one  of  my  regiments  that  had  been  thrown  into 
disorder  and  confusion,  and  while  thus  engaged,  his  horse  was  shot, 
to  Major  Goggin,  A.  A.  General  to  General  McLaws,  I  am  also  in- 
debted for  his  gallant  and  valuable  services,  rendered  at  the  same  time 
and  on  the  same  occasion.  I  also  beg  to  commend  to  your  favorable 
notice,  my  two  couriers,  private  Ridgeway,  of  the  eleventh  Alabama, 
end  private  Brundidge,  of  the  ninth  Alabama,  the  former  had  his 
horse  killed  at  Salem  church, 

I  am  sir,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

0.  M.  WILCOX, 
Brigadier  General  commanding,  fyc. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  HETH. 

Headquarters  A.  P.  Kill's  Light  Division, 

May  25tJt,   18G3. 

To  Major  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart  : 

General:  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  opera- 
tions of  the  several  commands  under  my  orders,  at  different  times,  in 
the  interval  between  leaving  the  vicinity  of  Hamilton's  Crossing  on 
the  morning  of  the  1st  of  May,  until  the  termination  of  the  opera- 
tions at  Chancellorsville  on  the  3d  of  May,  1863: 

My  brigade  moved  from  Hamilton's  Crossing  on  the  morning  of  the 
1st  of  May,  on  the  plank  road  leading  to  Chancellorsville.  When 
within  three  miles  of  Chancellorsville,  I  received  an  order  from  Major 
General  Hill  to  report  in  person  to  him.  On  doing  so  I  was  ordered 
to  take  the  brigades  of  McGowan,  Lane,  and  my  own,  and  advance 
by  a  cross-road  leading  from  the  plank  road  to  the  old  pike,  a  distance 
of  one  and  a  half  miles  ;  on  reaching  the  old  pike,  to  feel  my  way 
and  advance  in  the  direction  of  Chancellorsville.  When  I  reached 
the  old  pike  I  found  General  McLaws,with  a  portion  of  his  command, 
some  half  a  mile  to  the  rear  of  where  I  struck  the  pike.  On 
advancing,  my  skirmishers  became  hotly  engaged,  and  as  it  had 
become  quite  dark,  a  further  advance  was  not  made  that  night.  Early 
in  the  morning  I  was  ordered  to  open  with  a  battery,  under  the  imme- 
diate charge  of  Major  Fegratn,  upon  the  enemy's  position,  and  con- 
tinue the  firing  for  about  half  an  hour.  Our  fire  was  returned  by 
the  enemy.  Being  informed  by  Major  Pegram  that  his  shot  were 
doing  the  enemy  no  damage,  I  directed  him  to  cease  tiring.  Soon 
after  I  received  orders  to  move  with  ray  command,  crossing  the  plank 
road,  and  following  the  rest  of  the  division.  General  Hill,  soon  after 
passing  the  old  furnace,  directed  me  to  resume  command  of  my  brig- 
ade. On  reaching  a  position  in  rear  of  Chancellorsville,  I  was 
ordered  to  form  line  of  battle  on  General  Colston's  left.  General 
Colston  advanced  his  line  before  the  formation  was  completed,  and 
rendered  a  compliance  with  the  order  impossible.  I  then  received 
orders  to  form  on  General  Pender's  left.  This  was  done.  I  also 
received  orders  to  go  to  the  support  of  any  general  officer  requesting 
aid.  After  advancing  in  line  of  battle  about  one  and  a  half  miles  on 
the  left  of  and  parallel  to  the  plank  road,  Trcccivcd  a  message  from 
Brigadier  General  J.  II.  Jones,  requesting  support.  I  put  my  brig- 
ade in  motion  and  advanced,  passing  Melzie  Chancellor's  house, 
and  entered  the  thick  oak  woods  on  the  left  of  the  plank  road.  On 
entering  these  woods  the  enemy  opened  upon  my  command  a  heavy 
fire  of  artillery,  doing  us  some  damage.  It  was  now  becoming  quite 
dark.  The  undergrowth  was  so  thick  and  entangled  that  it  was 
impossible  to  advance  in  any  order.  I  ordered  the  brigade  to  reform 
on  the  plank  road,  which  had  scarcely  been  done,  when  orders  were 
received  from  General  Hill  to  move  down  the  road  by  the  flank.     On 


106 

reaching  the  position  in  the  road  occupied  by  General  Hill,  he  directed 
me  to  deploy  two  regiments — one  on  the  right,  the  other  on  the  left 
of  the  road,  to  check  the  enemy,  who  were  then  advancing.  These 
movements  had  not  been  completed  before  the  enemy  opened  heavily 
upon  the  fifty-fifth  Virginia  regiment.  It  was  here  that  gallant  and 
promising  officer,  Colonel  F.  Mallory,  was  killed.  Soon  after,  Gen. 
Hill  informed  me  that  he  was  wounded,  and  directed  me  to  take  com- 
mand of  the  division.  General  Lane's  brigade,  at  this  time,  was  in 
line  of  battle  on  the  right  of  the  road,  occupying  the  breastworks 
from  which  the  enemy  had  been  driv.en.  I  directed  General  Pender 
to  form  his  brigade  in  line  of  battle  on  the  left  of  the  road,  occupy- 
ing the  deserted  breastworks  of  the  enemy.  Before  the  remaining 
brigades  could  be  placed  in  line  of  battle,  the  enemy,  under  Sickles, 
advanced  and  attacked  General  Lane's  right.  He  was  handsomely 
repulsed  by  the  eighteenth,  twenty- eighth,  and  a  portion  of  the  thirty- 
third  North  Carolina  regiments.  This  attack  was  made  by  the  enemy 
under  cover  of  heavy  shelling.  These  regiments  behaved  with  com- 
mendable courage  and  zeal  in  repelling  at  least  five  times  their  num- 
bers. MeGowan's  brigade  was  now  ordered  on  Lane's  right,  and  soon 
after,  Archer's  brigade  on  MeGowan's  right.  Thomas'  brigade,  posted 
on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  on  Pender's  left.  Heth's  brigade  was 
held  as  a  reserve.  In  this  position  the  division  remaiued  until 
just  after  daybreak,  when  Heth's  brigade  was  ordered  up.  Two  regi- 
ments— the  fortieth  and  forty-seventh  Virginia — were  placed  on  the 
right  of  the  road,  supporting  Lane's  left ;  the  fifty-fifth  and  twenty- 
second  Virginia  battalion  on  the  left,  to  support  Pender's  right. 
Major  General  Stuart  now  ordered  me  to  prepare  to  advance.  I 
ordered  Generals  McGowan  and  Archer  to  move  forward,  as  the 
line  formed  by  their  brigades  wras  not  perpendicular  to  the  plank  road, 
but  inclined  to  the  right  and  rear.  Archer's  brigade  only  advanced  a 
short  distance,  before  it  became  hotly  engaged,  the  enemy  being 
strongly  posted  behind  breastworks,  making  an  angle  with  the  plank 
road.  I  now  gave  the  order  for  a  general  advance.  The  light  divis- 
ion (A.  P.  Hill's)  forming  the  front  line,  opened  the  battle  of  Chan- 
cellorsville.  Generals  Pender  and  Thomas,  on  the  left,  found  the 
enemy  posted  behind  a  breastwork  of  logs  and  brush,  immediately 
in  their  front,  at  a  distance  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  The 
breastworks  were  charged  and  carried — the  men  never  hesitating  for 
a  moment,  driving  the  enemy  before  them,  and  pursuing  him  until  a 
second  line  was  reached,  which  was  in  like  manner  broken.  A  third 
line  of  the  enemy  was  now  encountered.  After  a  desperate  and  pro- 
longed fight  without  supports,  or  a  piece  of  artillery  to  aid  them,  but 
on  their  part  subjected  to  heavy  artillery  fire  of  from  ten  to  twelve 
pieces,  these  gallant  brigades  fell  back,  in  order,  to  the  breastworks, 
from  which  the  enemy  had  been  driven,  and  which  they  held  until 
reinforcements  were  brought  up,  when  again  the  attack  was  renewed, 
and  the  enemy  driven  from  this  part  of  the  field  of  battle.  Lane's 
brigade,  supported  by  the  fortieth  and  forty-seventh  Virginia  regi- 
ments, (Heth's  brigade,)  and  MeGowan's  brigade  advanced  and 
charged  the  enemy  behind   his  breastworks,  who  was  supported  by 


107 

twenty-nine  pieces  of  artillery.  I  cannot  conceive  of  any  body  of 
men  ever  being  subjected  to  a  more  galling  fire  than  this  force.  The 
brigades  of  Lane,  McGowan,  and  a  portion  of  Heth's,  (Colonel  Brock- 
enbrough  commanding,)  notwithstanding,  drove  the  enemy  from  his 
works  and  held  them  for  some  time,  but  were  finally  compelled  to 
fall  back,  which  was  unavoidable,  from  the  course  that  affairs  had 
assumed  on  the  right  of  the  line.  As  soon  as  Archer's  brigade 
commenced  to  move,  it  became  hotly  engaged.  General  Archer  was 
compelled  to  conform  his  line  of  battle  to  that  of  the  enemy,  which, 
as  I  before  remarked,  in  his  front,  was  not  perpendicular,  but  formed 
a  considerable  angle  with  the  plank  road.  McGowan's  right  thus 
became  separated  from  Archer's  left,  and  -the  interval  increased  as 
the  enemy  were  driven  before  them,  until  McGowan  and  Lane  found 
that  their  right  flanks  were  seriously  threatened.  It  was  not  until 
this  occurred  that  these  two  brigades  fell  back  to  the  line  of  works 
from  which  they  first  commenced  to  advance.  Many  valuable  officers 
and  men  were  lost  in  the  charge,  and  especially  when  falling  back.  It 
was  here  that  General  McGowan  was  wounded,  the  command  of  hit- 
brigade  devolving  on  Colonel  Edwards,  who  was,  Immediately  after 
assuming  command,  seriously  wounded.  The  command  of  McGow- 
an's brigade  next  devolved  on  Colonel  Hamilton,  first  South  Carolina 
regiment,  who  commanded  the  brigade  during  the  remainder  of  the 
action.  General  Archer  advanced  with  his  brigade,  conforming  his 
line  of  battle  to  that  of  the  enemy.  lie  charged  the  works  in  hi? 
front,  and  without  the  least  halt  or  hesitation,  carried  them,  driving 
the  enemy  before  him,  who  outnumbered  him  five  to  one.  General 
Archer  succeeded  in  capturing  a  battery  of  four  guns.  By  his  gal- 
lant attack  he  secured  the  key  to  the  enemy's  ppsitiou,  clearing  a  hill 
and  open  space  in  his  front,  and  thus  gaining  for  our  artillery  a  posi- 
tion, from  which  they  were  enabled  to  silence  the  twenty-nine  gun 
battery  of  the  enemy,  which  had  inflicted  so  much  loss  upon  our  lines. 
From  this  position  our  artillery  had  also  a  raking  fire  on  the  encmy'e 
works  on  our  right.  General  Archer,  after  carrying  the  hill  referred 
to,  advanced  beyond  the  open  space  and  attacked  the  enemy  on  hi? 
right.  He  was  joined  by  Major  General  Anderson.  About  this  time 
tho  enemy  threatened  to  turn  Thomas*  and  Pender's  left.  Reinforce- 
ments were  ordered  to  them,  among  which,  McGowan's  brigade,  (Gol. 
Hamilton  commanding,)  formed  a  part.  As  soon  as  reinforcements 
reached  Pender  and  Thomas  a  general  advance  took  place,  and,  aided 
by  our  artillery,  which  had  not  been  able  to  assist  us  in  any  previous 
attack,  the  works  of  the  enemy  were  cleared,  ami  retreating  rapidly, 
he  fell  back  in  the  direction  of  United  States  ford.  Thus  ended  the 
battle  of  Chanccllorsville. 

Where  all  behaved  so  well,  it  would  appear  like  unjust  discrimina- 
tion, in  mentioning  individuals.  Generals  Pender,  Archer,  and 
Thomas  deserve,  for  their  successful  attacks,  to  be  specially  men- 
tioned, and  under  the  murderous  fire  of  artillery  to  which  they  were 
particularly  exposed,  no  officers  or  men  could  havo  done  better  than 
Gens.  Lane  and  McGowan  and  Col.  Brockenbrough.  "£he  light  division 
(A.  P.  Hill's)    although    unfortunately  deprived  of  the  presence  of 


108 

their  gallant  commander,  shored  on  this  day  that  the  spirit  with 
which  he  had  inspired  them  by  success,  on  so  many  battle-fields,  waa 
still  present;  and  each  and  all  did  their  duty.  A  list  of  killed  and 
wounded  has  been  furnished. 

I  cannot  close  this  report  without  adding,  that  my  personal  staff — 
Captains  Finney  and  Harrison.  Lieutenants  Selden  and  Heth,  and 
acting  engineer  officer,  W.  0.  Slade — deserve  my  thanks  for  their  gal- 
lantry and  coolness  on  all  occasions  during  the  battle. 

For  acts  of  individual  gallantry,    I  respectfully   refer   you    to  the 
reports  of  brigade  and  regimental  commanders. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

H.  HETH,  Brigadier  General.. 


■■•.•■•■ 

REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  RODES. 

Headquarters  D.  H.   Hill's  Division,  > 
May  25th,  1863.      J 
Major  A.  S.  Pendleton  : 

Majcr  :  1  have  the  honor  to  make  the  subjoined  report  of  the  part 
taken  in  the  engagement  at  Chancellorsville,  and  the  movements  that 
preceded  it,  by  the  division  of  Major  General  D.  II.  Hill,  then  under 
my  command,  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Doles,  Colquitt,  Iverson, 
Ramscur  and  Rodcs. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  Wednesday,  April  29th,  it  being  an- 
nounced that  the  Federal  army  had  crossed  the  Rappahannock  river, 
I  marched  from  Grace  church  to  Hamilton's  Crossing,  and  was  placed 
in  position  on.  the  extreme  right  of  the  army,  extending — perpendic- 
ular to  the  railroad — to  Massaponax  cret  k.  A  portion  of  Ramseur's 
brigade  being  at  the  time  on  picket  on  the  river,  he  was  ordered, 
with  the  whole  of  his  brigade,  to  occupy  the  south-side  of  the  creek, 
guarding  the  ford  near  its  mouth.  My  line  was  strongly  and 
rapidly  fortified  by  the  troops,  and  held,  until  the  morning  of  the 
1st  May,  without  molestation,  except  from  the  artillery  fire  of  the 
enemy. 

Much  credit  is  due  to  Colonel  J.  Thompson  Brown  and  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Thomas  II.  Carter,  of  the  artillery,  for  their  energy  and 
judgment  in  assisting  to  render  this  line  impregnable  to  assault. 
Ramseu's  line  was  partially  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire  from  the 
heights  across  the  river,  but  such  was  the  accuracy  cf  the  fire  of  the 
Whit  worth  Battery.  Lieutenant  Hurt  commanding,  stationed  with 
General  Ramseur,  that  their  batteries  were  scattered,  and  their  at- 
tempts in  this  direction  rendered  unavailing. 

At  dawn,  on  May  1st,  my  troops  were  again  in  motion,  advancing 
from  Hamilton's  Crossing,  by  the  military  road,  to  its  junction  with 
the  Fredericksburg  and  Orange  Court-House  plank  road,  and  thence 
up  the  plank  road,  for  about  two  miles.  At  this  point  I  became  aware 
of  a  serious  engagement  on  my  right,  between  a  portion  of  the  troops 
of  Major  General  Anderson,  then  advancing  by  the  old  turnpike,  and 
Sikes'  division  of  regulars,  Federal  army.  Being  in  advance  of  the 
corps,  I  continued  to  move  forward  for  about  half  a  mile,  keeping  out 
skirmishers  towards  the  enemy  to  prevent  annoyance.  The  firing 
.becoming  very  heavy  and  close,  the  column  was  halted  by  General 
Jackson,  and  General  Ramseur's  brigade  detached,  by  his  order,  to 
support  that  portion  of  Anderson's  division,  which  was  in  front  of  my 
division.  This  brigade  became  sharply  engaged  under  Anderson, 
behaving,  with  great  coolness  and  gallantry,  a^  [-have  been  informed 
by  Generals  Hill  and  Anderson.  Brigadier  General  Ramseur  handled 
his  own  skirmishers  and  ^ith  great  skill  and  gallantry.  The  rest  of  the 
division  moved  by  the  right  flank  to  the  top  of  the  ridge  near  the  road, 
and  after  being  established  in  line  of  battle,  was  directed  by  Lieuten- 
ant General    Jackson     to    shelter  itself,  and    await  orders.     Subse- 


110 

quently  it  was  moved  forward  into  the  woods,  but,  though  the  skir- 
mishers became  engaged,  capturing  several  prisoners,  the  main  body 
of  the  enemy  had  retired,  before  I  was  pertniltcd  to  advance.  Re- 
maining in  line  of  battle  until  about  sunset,  the  division  then  re- 
sumed  its  march  up  the  plank  road,  and  bivouacked  that  night  near 
Vidrich's  tavern,  about  one  mile  and  a  quarter  from  Chancellore- 
ville. 

At  an  early  hour  on  the  morning  of  the  2d,*tver3on's  brigade  was 
ordered  to  relieve  Ramseur's,  still  on  duty  with  Anderson,  in  front. 
Iverson  subsequently  overtook  the  division  on  the  march.  About 
eight  o'clock,  the  route  was  resumed,  this  division  still  in  advance. 
Turning  short  to  the  left,  about  one  half  mile  beyond  Aldrich's,  we 
followed  the  mine  road,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  on  the  right  and  in 
rear  of  Hooker's  army.  On  arriving  at  the  old  furnace  on  this  road, 
the  twenty-third  Georgia  regiment,  Colonel  Best,  was  detached  by 
General  Jackson's  order,  to  guard  a  road  from  the  direction  of  Chan- 
cellorsville,  by  which  the  enemy  might  threaten  the  main  column. 
This  regiment,  with  the  exception  of  the  Colonel  and  a  few  men,  was 
subsequently  captured  by  the  enemy,  who  made  a  vigorous  assault 
upon  the  ordnance  train  and  artillery  then  passing,  but  were  gallantly 
repulsed  by  Colonel  J.  Thompson  Brown,  commanding  battallion 
artillery.  Colonel  Best's  report  of  the  manner  in  which  his  regiment 
discharged  its  important  duty,  and  its  fate,  is  enclosed.  A  court  of 
inquiry  on  the  subject  was  prevented  J> :  ~ke  removal  of  Colquitt's 
brigade,  to  which  it  was  attached,  from  this  department  to  that  of 
North  Carolina. 

On  reaching  the  plank  rotid  again,   about   two   miles   northwest  of 
Chancellorsville,  our  cavalry  wad  found  skirmishing  with  that  of  the 
enemy,  and  a  delay  was  caused  by  an  endeavor  on  our  part  to  entrap 
diem.     At  this  point,  it  having  been  determined  to  make  a  still  further 
>i  tour  towards  the  enemy's  rear,  the  column  was  moved  across  to  the 
old  turnpike  road,  and  was  formed  in  line  of-battle  about  four  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  two   and-a-half  miles   from   Chancellorsville.       The   line  was 
formed   perpendicular  to   the  road,  by  which  it  was  equally  divided. 
Iverson's  brigade   on  the  left,  Colquitt's  on   the  right,  Rodes  on  the 
left  centre,  Doles  on  the  right  centre;  the  right  of  Rodes  and  left  of 
Doles  resting  on  the  road.     Ramseur's  brigade  was  placed  in  the  rear 
of  Colquitt  as  a  support,  and  to  guard  the  flank.     By  five  o'clock, 
Trimble's  division,  under  command  of  Brigadier  General  Colston,  had 
formed  about  one  hundred  yard^  in  rear  of  my  command,  and  iu  con- 
tinuation of  Ramseur's  line.     A.  P.  Hill's  division  formed  the  third, 
line  in  rear  of  Colston.     Each  brigade  commander  received  positive 
instructions,  which  were  well   understood.       The   whole  line  was  to 
push  ahead  from  the  beginnings  keeping  the  road  for  its  guide.     The 
position  at  Talley's  house  was  to  be  carried  at  all  hazards,  as,  from 
the  best  information  that  could  be  obtained,  it  commanded  the  second 
position  of  the  enemy  at  Melzie  Chancellor's,  house.     After  taking  the 
heights  at  Talley's,  if  the   enemy  showed  a  determined  front  on  the 
next  ridge,  my  men  were  to  be  sheltered  until  our  artillery  could  come 
up  and  dislodge  them — under  no  other  circumstances  was  there  to  be 


Ill 

any  pause  in  the  advance.  As  there  was  possibility  of  pressure  on 
my  right  flank,  Ramseur  was  directed  to  watch  that  flank  carefully, 
thus  leaving  Colquitt  free  to  push  ahead,  without  fear  from  that  quar- 
ter. For  similar  reasons,  the  left  regiment  of  Iverson  was  placed 
perpendicular  to  line-of-battle,  with  orders  to-  follow  the  advance  by 
the  flank.  At  five  and  a  quarter,  P.  M.,  the  word  was  given  to  movo 
forward,  the  line  of  sharpshooters  being  about  four  hundred  yards  in 
advance.  In  consequence  of  the  dense  mass  of  undergrowth,  and 
orders  not  having  been  promptly  given  to  the  skirmishers  of  Rodes' 
brigade,  some  Httle  delay  was  caused  when  the  main  line  readied  the 
skirmisher's  line.  This  latter  was  put  in  motion  again  by  my  order, 
and,  soon  after,  the  Alabama  brigade  encountered  the  fire  of  the  enemy. 
At  once  the  line-of-battle  rushed  forward  with  a  yell,  and  Doles  at 
this  moment  debouched  from  the  woods  and  encountered  a  force  of  the 
enemy  and  a  battery  of  two  guns  entrenched.  Detaching  two  regi- 
ments to  "flank  the  position,  he  charged  without  halting,  sweeping 
everything  before  him,  and  pressing  on  to  Talley's,  gallantly 
carried  the  works  there,  and  captured  five  guns,  by  a  similar 
flank  movement  of  a  portion  of  his  command.  So  complete  was  the 
success  of  the  whole  manoeuvre,  and  such  was  the  surprise  of  the 
enemy,  that  scarcely  any  organized  resistance  was  met  with  after  the 
first  volley  was  fired.  They  fled  in  the  wildest  confusion,  leaving  the 
field  strewn  with  arms,  accoutrements,  clothing,  caissons  and  field 
pieces  in  every  direction.  The  larger  portion  of  his  force,  as  well  as 
entrenchments,  ware  drawn  up  at  light  angles  to  our  line,  and  being 
thus  taken  in  the  flank  and  rear  they  did  not  wait  for  the  attack.  On 
reaching  the  ridge  at  Melzie  Chancellor's,  which  had  an  extended  line 
of  works,  facing  in  our  direction,  an  effort  was  made  to  cheek  the 
flying  columns.  For  a  few  moments  they  held  this  position,  but  once 
more  my  gallant  troops  dashed  at  them  with  a  wild  shout,  and  tiling  a 
hasty  volley  they  continu-d  their  headlong  flight  to  Chancellorsvillr. 
It  was  at  this  point  that  Trimble's  division  which  had  followed  closely 
in  my  rear,  headed  by  the  brave  and  accomplished  Colston,  went  over 
tire  works  with  my  men,  and  from  this  time  until  the  close  of  the 
engagement,  the  two  divisions  were  mingled  together  in  inextricable 
confusion.  Pushing  forward  as  rapidly  as  possible,  the  troops  soon 
entered  a  second  piece  of  woods  thickly  filled  with  undergrowth.  The 
right  becoming  entangled  in  an  abattis,  near  the  enemy's  first  line  of 
fortifications,  caused  the  line  to  halt,  and  such  was  the  confusion  and 
darkness  that  it  was  not  deemed  advisable  to  make  a  further  advance. 
I  at  once  -sent  word  to  Lieutenant  General  Jackson  urging  him  to  push 
forward  the  fresh  troops  of  the  reserve  line,  in  order  that  mine  might 
be  reformed.  Riding  forward  on  the  plank  road,  I  satisfied  myself 
that  the  enemy  had  no  line-of-battle  between  our  troops  and  the  heights 
of  Chancellorsville,  and  on  my  return,  informed  Colonel  Crutchfield, 
chief  of  artillery  of  the  corps,  of  the  fact,  and  he  opened  his  batteries 
on  that  point.  The  enemy  instantly  responded  by  a  most  terrific  fire, 
which  silenced  our  guns,  but  did  little  execution  on  the  infantry,  as  it 
was  mainly  directed  dDwn  the  plank  road,  which  was  uncovered, 
except  by  our  artillery.     When  the  fire  ceased,  General  Hill's  troops 


112 

were  brought  up,  and  as  soon  as  a  portion  were  deployed  in  my  front 
as  skiunishers,  I  commenced  withdrawing  my  men,  under  orders  from 
the  Lieutenant  General.  During  this  glorious  victory  and  pursuit  of 
more  than  two  miles,  I  had  only  three  brigades  really  engaged.  Gen- 
eral Colquitt  soon  after  starting  was  misled  by  the  appearance  of  a 
small  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  and  notwithstanding  the  instruc- 
tions to  himself  and  General  Ramseur,  halted  his  brigade  to  resist 
what  he  supposed  to  be  an  attack  on  his  flank.  This  error  was  dis- 
covered too  late  to  enable  him  to  do  more  than  follow  the  victorious 
troops  of  Doles  over  the  field  they  had  won.  Ramseur  being  ordered 
to  follow  Colquitt  and  watch  his  flank,  was  necessarily  deprived  of  an 
active  participation.  On  withdrawing  my  troops,  I  was  directed  to 
see  that  Jones'  brigade  of  Colston's  division,  was  so  placed  as  to  guard 
a  road  coming  in  from  the  direction  of  the  furnace  on  the  right,  and 
to  relieve,  with  one  of  my  brigades,  McGowan's  brigade,  of  Hill's 
division,  then  guarding  a  second  road  from  the  same  direction,  which 
entered  the  plank  road  further  up.  Whilst  preparing  to  make  these 
dispositions,  a  sudden  and  rapid  musketry  fire  was  opened  in  front, 
which  created  a  little  confusion  among  the  troops — order  was  speedily 
restored,  however.  Apparently  this  firing  proceeded  entirely  from 
our  own  men,  as  not  a  ball  from  the  enemy  came  within  sound.  There 
being  no  other  place  but  the  open  ground  at  Melzie  Chancellor's  suita- 
ble for  such  a  purpose,  I  withdrew  all  my  troops,  except  Colquitt's 
brigade,  then  on  guard,  to  reform  them  at  that  point.  Finding  the 
entrenchments  partially  occupied  by  Paxton's  brigade,  I  formed  line- 
of-battle  in  connection  with  him.  At  this  time  the  enemy  opened  a 
similar  terrific  fire  of  artillery  to  that  which  had  taken  place  just 
before  my  withdrawal,  which  caused  much  confusion  and  disorder, 
rendering  it  necessary  for  me  to  place  guards  across  the  road  to  stop 
stragglers.  Shortly  after  this  occurrence,  I  was  informed  that  Lieuten- 
ant General  Jackson  was  wounded,  and  also  received  a  message  from 
Major  General  Hill  that  he  likewise  was  disabled,  and  that  the  com- 
mand of  the  corps  devolved  on  me.  Without  loss  of  time,  I  commu- 
nicated with  Brigadier  Generals  Heth  and  Colston,  commanding  res- 
pectively the  divisions  of  A  P.  Hill  and  Trimble,  and  made  the 
necessary  arrangements  for  a  renewal  of  the  attack  in  the  morning,  it 
being  agreed  that  the  troops  were  not  in  condition  to  resume  opera- 
tions that  night.  Just  at  this  time,  (about  two  o'clock,)  the  enemy 
made  an  attack  on  our  right,  but  being  feeble  in  its  character,  and 
promptly  met,  it  lasted  but  a  short  time.  Very  soon  after,  Major 
General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart,  who  had  been  sent  for  by  Major  Pendleton, 
A.  A.  General  of  Lieutenant  General  Jackson,  arrived  on  the  ground 
and  assumed  command.  I  deem  it  proper  to  state  that  I  yielded  the 
command  to  General  Stuart,  not  because  I  thought  him  entitled  to  it — 
belonging,  as  he  does,  to  a  different  arm  of  the  service — nor  because  I 
was  unwilling  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  carrying  on  the  attack, 
as  I  had  already  made  the  necessary  arrangements  and  they  remained 
unchanged,  but  because,  from  the  manner  in  which  I  had  been  informed 
that  he  had  been  sent  for,  I  inferred  that  General  Jackson  or  General 
Hill  had  instructed  Major  Pendleton  to  place  him   in  command,  and 


113 

• 

for  the  still  stronger  reason  that  I  feared  that  the  information  that  the 
command  had  devolved  on  me,  unknown,  except  to  my  own  immediate 
troops,  would,  in  their  shaken  condition,  be  likely  to  increase  tha 
demoralization  of  the  corps.  General  Stuart's  name  was  well  and  very 
favorably  known  to  the  army,  and  would  tend,  I  hoped,  to  re-establish 
confidence.  I  yielded  because  I  wos  satisfied  the  good  of  the  eervioe 
demanded  it. 

On  the  morning  of  May  3d,  being  the  rear  division,  I  established 
my  line  with  Rodes'  and  Iverson's  brigades,  on  the  left  of  the  plank 
road,  as  before,  Ramseur's  brigade   on   the  right,   then   Doles',   and 
finally  Colquitt,  on  the  extreme  right.     The  attack  was  renewed  about. 
six  o'clock,  A.  M.;  and  soon  after,  I  received  orders  to  move  forward, 
which  I  promptly  obeyed,  first  giving  directions  to  each  brigade  coin 
mander  to  push  forward  until  the  enemy  was  encountered,  and  engage 
him    vigorously,   moving    over    friend    and    foe  alike,  if  in  t'ie  way. 
At  the  moment  of  starting,  our  cavalry  reported  a  strong  demonstra- 
tion of  the  enemy  on  our  extreme  left,  and  Colquitt  was  detached  to 
oppose  it.     He  was  subsequently  moved  to  the  extreme  right,  to  sup- 
port a  portion  of   General  A.  P.  Hill's    troops,  and  ultimately    got 
heavily  and  handsomely  engaged  on  the  l^ft  of  my  division,  as  will  be 
Been  hereafter.     On  account  of  the  dense  forest,  the  undulating  char- 
acter of  the  ground,  and  the  want  of  an  adequate  staff,  it  was  not  in 
my  power,  during  the  subsequent  movements,  to  give  a  great  deal  cf 
personal   attention   to   the   actions  of  any  of   my  commands,   except. 
Rodes'  and  Ramseur's  brigades,  which  were  next  to  the  read;   but  my 
orders  were  faithfully  executed  by  each  brigade  commander.     Moving 
forward  steadily,  with  no  material  stoppage  exeept  that  occasioned  by 
the  tangled  undergrowth,  they  soon  encountered  a  h«avy  fire  of  artil- 
lery.     Pressing  on,  they  soon  overtook  the  Sf  cond  lino  of  battle,  then  at 
a  halt,  except  the  Stonewall  brigade,  which  was  r.  oving  (under  orders) 
from  the  left  to  the  right  of  the  plank  road.     I  ordered  Colonel  O'Neil 
not  to  wait  on  this  movement,  but  to  advance   his   brigade  over   the- 
Eecond  line.     At  this  moment  Colonel  O'Neil  was  disabled,  by  a  frag- 
ment of  a  shell,  and  in   person  I   made  his  right  regiment  (the  third 
Alabama)  press  forward  through    the  troops,  and   sent   a  staff   officer 
with   directions  to  Colonel   Hall,  who   succeeded  to  the  command,  te 
continue    his    advance.     The   first    line  was    in    turn  overtaken    and 
passed;  but   the  confusion  arising  from  passing  the  two  lines  caused- 
the  two  regiments  on  the  left  of  this  brigade  to  become  separated  from 
the  others.     These   two  moved  obliquely  to  the  right,  under  the  im 
mediate   command  of  Colonel  Hall,  and  encountered  the  fire  of  the 
enemy's  infantry,  posted  behind  a  barricade,  on  the  right  of  the  road, 
and   not  more  than  two  hundred  yards  from  the   epaulements  on  the. 
heights.      At  this  juncture,  a  portion  of  Iverson's  brigade,  and  a  por- 
tion of  Pender's  troops,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Brigadier 
Genet  »1  Fender,  coming  up,  he  ordered  them  all  forward.     The  enemy 
was  compelled  to  abandon  the  barricade,  and  fall  back;  and  pressing  on, 
Colonel  Hall's  two  regiments — the  fifth  and  twenty-sixth  Alabama — 
together  with    the  twenty-third    North   Carolina   regiment,   Colonel 
Christie,  carried  the  heights  in  magnificent  style,  planting  their  flags 
8 


114 

inside  the  works.  In  this  charge,  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Garvin,  of  the  twenty- sixth  Alabama,  fell,  desperately  wounded, 
inside  the  works.  In  the  meantime  the  residue  of  Rodes',  Iverson's 
and  Pender's  troops,  moving  forward,  to  the  left  of  Hall  and  Christie, 
were  met  and  repulsed  by  the  enemy,  thus  leaving  the  flank  of  the 
party  on  the  heights  exposed  to  an  overwhelming  force.  They  were 
compelled  to  fall  back  behind  the  plank  road,  with  loss  of  over  one 
hundred  men,  and  both  Alabama  flags.  A  second  line  of  battle  having 
been  assembled  along  the  log  breastworks  on  the  left  of  the  road, 
composed  of  pai'ts  of  the  third,  sixth,  and  twenty-sixth  Alabama,  the 
fifth  North  Carolina,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lee,  who  had  just 
joined  it,  and  other  scattering  troops,  I  ordered  it,  through  Major 
Whiting,  to  attack — moving  parallel  to  the  plank  road.  Hall  imme- 
diately attacked  the  epaulements  again,  with  his  two  regiments,  and 
gallantly  carried  them  ;  but  the  troops  just  mentioned,  who  had  at- 
tacked further  to  the  left,  being  again  repulsed,  he  again  fell  back  to 
the  breastworks.  Whilst  this  was  transpiring  in  front,  the  enemy 
made  an  attack  in  force  on  ir.y  left  and  rear.  This  attack  was  met  by 
the  twelfth  Alabama,  Colonel  Pickens,  Colonel  Lightfoot,  of  the  sixth 
Alabama,  with  a  small  portion  of  his  regiment,  and  some  troops  of 
Nichols'  brigade,  skilfully  placed  by  General  Iverson,  and  sustained 
against  fearful  odds,  until  I  ordered  up  Colquitt's  brigade,  which 
quickly  and  handsomely  repulsed  it.  The  enemy  being  repulsed  de- 
cidedly here,  barely  holding  his  own  in  the  left  centre,  and  compelled, 
about  the  same  time,  by  the  artillery  fire  from  the  right,  to  abandon 
the  epaulements,  withdrew  all  his  forces  to  the  hill  back  of  the  Chan- 
cellorsville  house.  The  fighting  on  the  centre  and  left  was  of  a  most 
desperate  char?cter,  and  resulted  in  the  loss  of  many  valuable  officers, 
among  them,  and  most  to  be  regretted,  was  Major  A.  M.  Gordon,  of 
the  sixth  Alabama,  a  young  officer  of  great  promise,  and  great  purity 
of  character. 

General  Pender,  speaking  of  the  first  advance  of  my  troops,  stated 
to  me  that  Colonel  Christie  and  his  regiment,  which  he  handled  in 
magnificent  style,  especially  attracted  his  attention,  and  that  the  col- 
onel deserved  promotion.  Whilst  these  movements  were  taking  place 
on  the  left,  Ramseur  and  Doles  pushed  forward  on  the  right,  passed 
the  first  line  of  entrenchments,  which  had  already  been  carried,  passed 
the  first  and  second  lines  of  our  troops,  and  became  fiercely  engaged. 
Doles  deflecting  to  the  right,  passed  up  a  ravine  behind  the  grave- 
yard on  Chancellor's  hill,  and  finally  came  out  in  the  field  nearly 
opposite  the  house,  driving  the  enemy  before  him  as  he  advanced,  and 
actually  getting  several  hundred  yards  to  the  rear,  as  well  of  those 
troops  opposing  the  rest  cf  my  division  as  of  those  opposing  General 
Anderson's  division.  Subsequently  he  was  compelled  to  fall  back  ; 
and  was  directed  by  General  Lee  to  take  charge  of  a  large  body  of 
prisoners.  Ramseur,  after  vainly  urging  the  troops  in  possession  of 
the  first  line  of  entrenchments  to  move  forward,  obtained  permission 
to  pass  them,  and  dashing  over  the  works,  charged  the  second  en- 
trenched line  in  the  most  brilliant  style.  The  struggle  at  this  point 
was  long  and  obstinate  ;  but  the  charge  on  the  left  of  the  plank  road, 


115 

at  this  time,  caused  the  enemy  to  give  way  on  his  left;  and  this,  com- 
bined with  the  uuflinching  determination  of  his  men,  carried  the  day, 
and  gave  him  possession  of  the  works.  Not  being  supported,  he  was 
exposed  still  to  a  galling  firo  from  the  right,  with  great  danger  of 
being  flanked.  Notwithstanding  repeated  efforts  made  by  him,  and 
by  myself  in  person,  none  of  the  troops  in  his  rear  would  move 
up,  until  the  old  Stonewall  brigade  arrived  on  the  ground,  and  gal- 
lantly advanced,  in  conjunction  with  the  thirtieth  North  Carolina 
regime-nt,  Colonel  Parker,  of  Rimseur's  brigade,  which  had  been  de- 
tached to  support  a  battery,  and  was  now  on  its  return.  Occupying 
the  works  on  the  right  of  liamseur,  and  thus  relieving  him,  when  his 
ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted,  the  Stonewall  brigade  pushed  on, 
and  carried  the  Chancellorsville  heights,  making  the  third  time  they 
were  captured.  They,  in  turn,  were  forced  to  fall  back,  but  recap- 
tured several  of  the  prisoners,  and  one  of  the  flags  taken  from  Coionel 
Hall. 

At  this  juncture,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Carter,  who  had  behaved 
with  signal  courage  and  judgment  during  the  whole  action,  succeeded, 
in  conjunction  with  Major  Pegram,  in  getting  several  batteries  in  po- 
sition in  a  field*to  the  right,  which  opened  with  such  precision  and 
rapidity  on  such  of  the  enemy's  batteries  and  troops  as  remained  on 
the  plain  of  Chancellorsville,  as  finally  to  drive  them  back  in  utter 
confusion.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hillary  Jones,  of  the  artillery,  a 
most  accomplished  officer,  had,  however,  before  this,  placed  ten  guns 
near  the  plank  road  and  on  the  nearest  ridge  to  the  enemy's  opaule- 
ments,  which  had  fired  with  marked  success 'on  the  artillery,  stationed 
at  the  Chvncellor  house,  and  on  the  retreating  troops.  As  soon  as 
our  artillery  fire  would  permit,  the  heights  were  occupied  by  the  in- 
fantry, and,  by  order  of  General  Stuart,  I  took  charge  of  arranging 
all  theTroops  found  on  the  field,  in  line  of  battle,  parallel  to  the  plank 
road.  The  earliest  troops  on  the  ground  were  Colonel  Biocken- 
brouglvs  and  another  Virginia  regiment,  belonging,  1  think,  to  the 
same  brigade.  These  were  subsequently  withdrawn,  and  my  troops 
located  as  follows  :  Iverson's  brigade  on  right,  extending  from  the 
Chancellorsville  house  up  the  plank  road;  next,  Rodes'  brigade,  then 
Ramseur's  brigade,  and  finally,  Doles'  brigade,  all  parallel  and  close 
to  the  road.  Doles  was  subsequently  thrown  across  the  road,  and  at 
an  angle  of  forty  five  degrees  with  it,  connecting  with  General  Pen- 
der, by  whom  this  line  was  continued  on  to  the  left.  Colston's  divis- 
ion, now  attached  to  my  command,  was  located  on  the  turnpike  road, 
to  the  right,  and  in  continuation  of  my  line.  Colquitt's  brigade  was 
placed  en  echelon  with  reference  both  to  Iverson  and  Colston,  and  one 
hundred  yards  in  tear,  to  enable  our  artillery  to  operate  in  the  inter- 
val. This  position  was  strongly  fortified,  and  was  held  without  molest- 
ation until  Tuesday  morning,  when  I  pushed  forward  my  whole  line 
of  skirmishers  to  feel  the  enemy.  lie  was  discovered  to  be  in  very 
great  force,  both  of  infantry  and  artillery,  with  formidable  entrench- 
ments. 

Early  on  Wednesday  morning,  my  outposts  reported  that  the  en- 
emy had  retired.     I  again  threw  forward  my  skirmishers,  and  found 


116 

that  the  entire  force  had  retreated  during  the  night.  Following  them 
in  person,  with  a  few  troops,  it  was  ascertained  that  they  had  success- 
fully crossed  the  river,  availing  themselves  of  the  very  severe  storm 
and  darkness  of  the  previous  night.  The  line  of  their  retreat  wag 
marked  by  every  evidence  of  a  careful  and  well  conducted  march, 
but  little  public  or  private  property,  except  such  as  was  necessary  for 
hospital  purposes,  being  left  behind. 

On  the  evening  of  Wadt.esday,  May  6th,  my  column  was  again  in 
motion,  and  camped  that  night  in  their  old  quarters,  near  Grace  church, 
having  been  absent  eight  days,  participating  in  the  achievement  of  a 
signal  victory,  capturing  fifteen  pieces  of  artillery,  ten  flags,  seventy- 
five  thousand  rounds  of  small-arm  ammunition,  and  four  bushels  of 
musket  caps,  from  the  enemy.  The  small  arms,  ammunition  and  the 
caps  afterwards  fell  into  the  hands  of  Major  Allen,  corps  ordnance 
officer,  and  Captain,  Marye,  ordnance  officer  of  Colston's  division. 
It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  the  enemy  abandoned  such  a  large  num- 
ber of  knapsacks  in  retreating  to  his  works,  that  when  this  division 
began  its  homeward  march  in  the  rain,  it  was  thoroughly  equipped 
with  oil-cloths  and  shelter-tents  of  the  best  quality. 

The  division  sustained  a  heavy  loss  in  killed  and*wounded,  espe- 
cially on  the  second  day.  The  conduct  of  its  men  and  officers,  was 
such  as  to  win  the  highest  encomiums  from  General  Jackson,  and 
such  as  had  been  rarely  equaled.  Its  laurels  were  dearly  bought, 
however.,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  tabular  statement  of  killed  and 
and  Wounded,  herewith  filed,  marked  "A."  I  do  not  think  the  en- 
emy's loss  was  as  great  as  ours,  as  he  fought  us  generally  from  be- 
hind his  barricades  and  earthworks  ;   still  it  was  heavy. 

As  an  act  of  justice  to  them,  and  for  future  reference,  the  names 
of  all  the  officers  who  participated  in  the  engagement  are  presented  in 
the  appendices  to  the  reports  of  brigade  commanders.  The  general, 
field  and  staff  officers  who  were  present  are  herewith  presented  in  ap- 
pendix "B." 

It  is  impossible  for  me,  within  reasonable  limits,  to  mention  all  the 
officers  and  men  who  were  distinguished  for  gallant  and  meritorious 
conduct  at  this  battle.  It  is,  however,  my  duty  to  call  attention  to 
the  great  gallantry  and  efficiency  in  this  action  of  Brigadier 
Generals  Doles  and  Ramseur,  Colonel  Edward  Willis,  twefth  Georgia; 
Colonel  Cooke,  fourth  Georgia,  severely  wounded ;  Colonel  Hall,  fifth 
Alabama;  Colonel  Christie,  twenty-third  North  Carolina;  Colonel 
Pickens,  twelfth  Alabama;  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  N.  Lea,  fifth  North 
Carolina;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hobson,  fifth  Alabama,  severely 
wounded;  Colonel  Garrett,  of  the  fifth  North  Carolina,  (who  had  be- 
haved most  gallantly  on  the  first  day,  and  was  unfortunately  wounded 
by  one  of  our  own  men,  after  the  close  of  that  day's  fight ;)  Colonel 
Parker,  thirtieth  North  Carolina  ;  Colonel  R.  T.  Bennett,  fourteenth 
North  Carolina;-  Captain  H.  A.  Whiting,  A.  A.  G.,  of  Rodes'  brig- 
ade ;  Captain  Green  Pejton,  of  my  staff,  and  Captain  M.  L.  Ran- 
dolph, signal  corps.  The  last  named  officer  was  remarkable  among  all 
these  bruve  and  accomplished  officers,  for  his  daring  coolness  and  effi- 
ciency. 


117 


Colonel  O'Neal,  commanding  Rodes'  brigade,  deserves  special  no- 
tice for  his  gallantry. 

It  is  proper  to  mention  that  Colonel  W.  R.  Cox,  of  the  sec- 
ond North  Carolina,  was  wounded  repeatedly,  before  he  left  the 
field.  All  of  the  other  officers  did  their  duty  nobly,  but  thoso  I  have 
mentioned  came  under  my  own  notice,  or  were  so  spoken  of  by  com- 
petent persons,  a3  to  make  it  my  duty  to  mention  them  in  this  man- 
ner. 

My  staff  officers,  Captain  Green  Pevton  and  Captain  M.  L.  Ran- 
dolph, have  been  mentioned  for  their  meritorious  conduct.  Their 
duties  were  more  than  usually  arduous  during  the  action,  and  were 
nobly  discharged. 

Mr.  Ed.  O'Neal,  volunteer  aid,  a  youth  under  eighteen,  behaved 
most  gallantly,  and  I  am  under  great  obligations  to  him. 

Four  of  my  couriers,  C.  S.  Ellis,  company  "  B,"  fourth  Georgia; 

Gilliam  James,  company  "  D,"    fifth   Alabama  ; -,  and 

-,   of  Stuart's  cavalry,  (Fitz   Lee's  brigade,)  were   of 


great  service  to  me  during  the  battle,  and  exhibited  great  courage  and 
intelligence.  Both  of  the  former  deserve  promotion  for  their  con- 
duct. 

Enclosed  will  be  found,  reports  of  brigade  and  regimental  comman- 
ders. 

Respectfully. 

R.  E.  RODES, 
Brigadier  Gcnerul  com?na?iding  division. 


APPENDIX  A. 

STRENGTH  AND  CASUALTIES  of  the  brigades  of  D.  H  HiTs 
Division,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Redes,  in  battle  of  Chanel- 
lorsville. 


8TREN'GTII. 

CASUALTIES. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing. 

BRIGADE. 

■ 
1 

o 

a 

53 

c 

i 

o 

a 

a 

■ 

1 

o 

c 

a 

a 

d 

a 

a 

6 

c 

c 

a 

. 
a 

7s 

B 

0) 
b 

be 

be 

< 

Dales' 

133 
)  3.'> 

1489 

i  .an 

4 

9 
12 
6 

62 
»,'.) 
142 

M 

•J 

SI 

41 

4.' 

8 

312 

4  V. 
49ii 
1.0 

1  7H 

5 

21 
28 

2S 

72 
1(13 
l»-.7 
*84 

437 

4>6 

129  i  no 

l.M         1  744 

130  1     1,600 

788 

816 
440 

7,S73 

30 

367 

14s 

59 

6  4 

2.976 

•This  estimate  of  thp  strength  of  this  briipde   in  not   arcura'e,  as  th«    nritrade  was  tranHforred  to 
North  Carolina,  eoon  aflcr  the  batt'e,  and  left,  no  data  from  which  wo  cm  get  the  exact  eat  1  mate. 


R.  E.  RODES, 

Brigadier  General  commanding  division. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  O'NEIL. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Brigade,  ) 

Santee,  Caroline  County,  Va.,  May  12,  1SG3.  \ 

Captain  G.  Peyton,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the 
following  report  of  the  operations  of  Rodes'  brigade  during  the  eight 
days'  campaign  commencing  on  the  29th  April  and  ending  on  the  6th 
May,  1863.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  29th  April,  I  received 
orders  to  hold  the  brigade  in  readiness  to  move  at  a  moment's  warn- 
ing, and  about  eight  o'clock  the  brigade  was  formed  on  the  road,  the 
right  resting  on  Round  Oak  church.  Thence,  after  a  short  delay,  we 
moved  to  Hamilton's  Crossing.  Here  I  was  ordered  to  put  the 
brigade  in  line  of  battle,  in  a  skirt  of  pine  woods,  about  one  mile  to 
the  right  of  the  railroad  and  just  in  rear  of  our  works.  The  brigade 
rested  here  during  the  balance  of  the  day  and  until  three  o'clock  next 
morning,  when  I  was  ordered  to  move  the  brigade  to  the  right,  about 
half  a  mile,  and  place  it  in  the  entrenchments — the  right  resting  on 
Massaponax  creek  and  the  left  on  the  Bowling  Green  road.  During 
the  day  the  enemy's  batteries,  across  the  river,  shelled  a  portion  of 
the  line — the  third  and  sixth  Alabama  regiments — but,  being  pro- 
tected by  the  earthworks  and  the  hill,  no  damage  was  done.  At  three 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  May,  I  moved  the  brigade  to  Hamil- 
ton's Crossing,  left  in  front,  and  thence  to  the  plank  road,  some  seven 
or  eight  miles,  where  I  was  ordered  to  prepare  for  immediate  action, 
to  support  the  forces  of  General  Anderson,  who  were  engaging  the 
enemy.  Being  in  rear  of  General  Colquitt's  brigade,  I  was  directed 
to  connect  with  him  and  move  as  he  moved.  At  this  point  the  men 
were  ordered  to  take  off  and  pile  their  knapsacks,  and,  forming  by 
the  rear  rank,  I  moved  the  brigade  across  an  open  field  to  a  public 
road  and  then  down  it  about  one  mile,  where  we  rested  in  a  wood  till 
late  in  the  evening,  when  I  received  orders  to  march  back  to  the 
plank  road,  and,  after  reaching  it,  to  halt  the  brigade  and  send  back 
for  the  knapsacks.  Having  obtained  the  baggage,  I  moved  down  the 
plank  road  about  two  miles  and  bivouacked  for  the  night.  Early  on 
the  morning  of  the  2nd  of  May,  the  brigade  wa?  moved  forward  on 
the  plank  road  about  one  mile,  and  thence  taking  a  road  to  the  left, 
passed  the  furnace  and  formed  in  line  of  battle,  after  a  march  of  some 
ten  or  twelve  miles,  beyond  the  turnpike  road,  just  above  its  junction 
with  the  plank  road  and  in  rear  of  the  enemy.  The  brigade  was 
formed  perpendicular  to  the  road  and  on  the  left  of  it,  with  the  right 
regiment,  the  third  Alabama,  resting  on  the  road  and  connecting  with 
General  Doles',  which  was  on  the  right  of  the  road.  About  half  after 
five  o'clock  the  order  to  advance  was  given,  and  very  soon  the  corps 
of  sharpshooters,  under  Major  Blackford,  of  the  fifth  Alabama,  were 
engaged  with  the  enemy's  pickets.  The  brigade  moved  rapidly  and 
steadily  forward,  and  in  a  few   minutes  was  engaged,   delivering  & 


119 

regular  and  telling  fire.  We  drove  the  enemy  from  his  first  line  of 
breastworks  and,  pursuing  him  with  spirit  and  rapidity,  soon  came 
upon  his  second  line  of  works,  which  were  carried  after  only  a  mo- 
ment's delay.  At  this  time  the  enemy's  batteries  poured  upon  us, 
especially  the  right  wing,  the  third  and  sixth  Alabama  regiments,  a 
shower  of  grape  and  canister.  Still  advancing,  we  continued  to  drive 
the  enemy  before  us  and  passed  to  his  third  line,  consisting  of  log 
works,  which  were  immediately  carried — the  enemy  giving  only  one 
volley  before  he  fled.  Darkness  coming  on,  the  pursuit  was  discon- 
tinued. In  this  short  space  of  time,  wo  drove  the  enemy  before  us 
about  two  miles  and  from  three  breastworks  and  two  abattis.  We 
captured  a  considerable  number  of  prisoners  CapUin  W.  T.  Rehfro, 
commanding  the  right  wing  of  the  fifth  Alabama,  after  Colonel  Hud- 
son had  been  wounded,  brought  in  two  hundred  and  twenty-five,  nil  I 
Colonel  Lightfoot,  of  the  sixth  Alabama,  one  hundred  and  five. 
Among  the  prisoners  was  Colonel  Packer,  fifth  Connecticut,  and 
several  other  officers.  We  captured  three  pieces  of  artillery,  and 
part  of  a  fourth  piece,  which  waa  claimed  by  another  brigade.  We 
also  captured  a  lot  of  ammunition  and  a  quantity  of  small  anus. 
The  third  Alabama  captured  and  have  now  in  possession  two  stands 
of  Federal  artillery  colors,  and  the  sixth  Alabama  captured  one  bat- 
tery flag.  Being  with  the  brigade  throughout  this  brilliant  charge.  I 
can  personally  bear  witness  to  the  gallant  bearing  of  the  officers  and 
the  daring,  dashing  courage  of  the  men.  In  this  connection,  permit 
me  also  to  state  the  order,  regularity  and  precision  with  which  the 
several  regimental  commanders  moved  and  handled  their  commands 
throughout  this  charge.  The  third  Alabama,  under  the  command  of 
Captains  Bonham,  Chester  and  Phelan,  was  ordered  to  move  along 
the  road  and  perpendicular  to  it,  and  was  the  battalion  of  direction  ; 
and  the  other  regiments — the  sixth,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Li .  l1 
foot  and  Major  Gordon ;  the  twelfth,  under  Colonel  Pickens  and 
Captain  Proskauer;  the  twenty-sixth,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Garvin  and  Major  Bryan,  and  the  fifth,  under  Colonel  Hall  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Hobson — moved  in  line  of  battle  with  this  regi- 
ment, and,  although  passing  through  a  dense  and  "tingled  forest" 
for  a  mile,  all  the  regiments  were  connected  and  moved  in  a  regular, 
unbroken  line,  the  officers  exhibiting  the  greatest  coolness  and  daring, 
cheering  on  their  men  by  both  voice  and  example.  In  this  charge, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  E.  L.  Hobson  waa  wounded,  while  gallantly  rush- 
ing in  front  of  his  men,  near  the  enemy's  second  line  of  work*. 
Major  Bryan,  twenty- sixth  Alabama,  was  also  wounded,  near  the 
same  place  and  about  the  same  time,  while  bravely  performing  his 
duties.  Captain  Watkins  Phelan,  who  commanded  the  left  wing  of 
the  third  Alabama,  was  also  woun  led  in  this  charge,  lie,  with  Cap- 
tain Bonham,  who  commanded  the  regiment,  and  Captain  Chester,  who 
commanded  the  right  wing  of  the  third  Alabama,  acted  most  gallantly 
and  led  their  regiment  with  great  success,  and  it  is  but  simple  justice 
to  say  that  each  regiment  did  its  whole  duty.  As  soon  as  the  night 
put  an  end  to  the  pursuit  1  formed  the  brigade,  and  having  had  am- 
munition issued  to    the   men,  I  reported   to   the  Brigadier  General 


120 

commanding  division  for  orders.  He  ordered  mo  to  move  to  the 
earthwoiks  to  the  left  of  the  road,  the  second  line  we  had  carriel, 
and  to  relieve  General  Paxton,  which  was  done,  and  there  we  rested 
for  the  night.  About  six  o'clock  Sunday  morning,  the  3rd  of  May, 
I  received  ciders  to  advance,  the  brigade  being  in  the  third  or  reserve 
line  of  battle.  We  movjd  forward,  under  heavy  shelling,  in  an  open 
field,  and  then  through  a  dense  wood  for  about  one  mile,  when  wo 
cam?  up  with  our  second  line  of  battle  and  passed  through  it.  I 
enquired,  as  we  passed,  wlune  brigade,  and  was  informed  it  was  Gen- 
eral Paxton'a.  We  continued  to  move  forward  until  we  came  to  somo 
other  troops,  where  I  ordered  a  halt,  and  found  that  the  third 
Alabama  had  lapped  over  and  got  in  front  of  the  sixth  Alabama,  the 
regiment  immediately  on  its  left.  While  rectifying  the  line,  the 
Brigadier  General  commanding  rode  up  and  ordered  me  to  the  road 
with  him,  and,  explaining  to  me  the  position  of  the  forces  on  my 
right  and  the  direction  I  was  to  pursue,  ordered  me  to  push  forward 
over  our  first  line  of  battle,  and  dislodge  the  enemy  from  Chancellor's 
hill.  I.;  company  with  Major  Whiting,  assistant  adjutant  general, 
I  immediately  started  on  a  run  for  the  centre  of  the  brigade  to  exe- 
cute this  order,  and  when  near  the  centre,  was  stricken  down  by  the 
fuse  of  a  shell,  which  disabled  me  for  the  balance  of  the  day.  I 
directed  Major  Whiting  to  move  the  brigade  forward,  and  to  inform 
Colonel  Hall,  of  the  fifth  Alabama,  that  the  command  devolved  on 
him.  Colonel  Hall  wa3,  at  the  time,  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  line 
with  his  regiment.  The  brigade  moved  forward  under  a  most  terrific 
storm  of  shell,  grape,  canister  and  musketry,  and  for  what  took  place 
afterwards  I  respectfully  refer  you  to  the  report  of  Colonel  Hall,  who 
so  bravely  led  it,  and  that  of  Colonel  Pickens,  who  so  gallantly  re- 
listed the  advance  on  our  left,  and  ask  that  their  reports  may  be 
taken  ar„d  considered  a  part  of  tbie.  In  obedience  to  oiders  from  the 
corps  commander  to  report  what  standards  were  captured  and.  which 
lost,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  colors  of  the  5th  Alabama 
regiment  were  captured  by  the  enemy  in  the  attack  upon  the  en- 
trenchments at  Chancellor's  house,  on  the  morning  of  the  3rd  instant. 
This  regiment,  supported  by  only  a  portion  of  the  twenty-sixth  Ala- 
bama and  four  companies  of  Iverson's  brigade,  w«.re  the  first  to 
charge  and  arry  the  enemy's  works  near  the  Chancellor  house. 
Having  taken  possession  of  the  epaulementa  which  commanded  the 
plank  load,  this  regiment  moved  forward  in  the  charge  considerably 
in  advance  of  the  right,  and,  being  unsupported  by  the  brigade  on  its 
left,  had  its  left  flank  turned  by  a  superior  force  and  was  forced  to 
retire  from  the  works.  In  doing  so  the  color-bearer  was  wounded, 
and  with  the  colors  and  over  a  hundred  of  its  men  were  surrounded 
and  captured.  Retiring  only  to  the  plank  road,  this  regiment  again 
charged  and  took  these  works  without  support  and  a  second  time  had 
to  retire  before  superior  numbers.  Captured  in  the  midst  of  the 
enemy's  guns  and  entrenchments,  and  some  time  before  any  other 
troops  reached  that  point,  the  loss  of  their  Hag  is  one  of  the  highest 
evidences  of  the  gallant  and  daring  services  rendered  by  the  fifth 
Alabama  regiment  in  the   action  of  that  day.     I  cannot  close  this 


121 

report  without  calling  special  notice  to  that  assiduous  attention  to 
every  duty,  and  that  calm  courage,  coolness  and  self-possession  ex- 
hibited under  all  circumstances,  during  these  trying  davs,  by  Major 
H.  A.  Whiting,  assistant  adjutant  general,  and  most  respect'uily 
recommend  him  to  the  commanding  General  for  promotion.  lie  was 
invaluable  to  me  .throughout  the  two  engagements  of  Saturday  and 
Sunday.  I  am  also  greatly  indebted  to  Adjutants  Tickett  and  Moore, 
of  the  third  and  twenty-sixth  Alabama  regiments,  who  acted  as  aids, 
for  valuable  services  in  fearlessly  carrying  and  delivering  orders. 
The  brigade  inspector,  Lieutenant  Partridge,  was  energetic  and 
untiring  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  and  rendered  efficient  aid. 
I  desiro  also  to  mention  Mr.  Webb  Woodruff  and  Mr.  Rittenhouso 
Moore,  who  were  with  me  and  did  good  service.  Enclosed  you  will 
find  the  reports  of  regimental  commanders,  to  which  1  call  Fpocial 
attention.     Also,  lists  of  casualties. 

I  am,  Captain,  veiy  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

EDWARD  A.  O'NEAL, 
Colonel   commanding    Brigade. 


REPORT  OF   COLONEL  HALL. 

Headquarters  Fifth  Alabama  Regiment,      \ 

Santee,  Caroline  county,  Virginia,  \ 
May  8th,  1863.      ) 

Captain  H.  A.  Whiting,  A.  A.  G.„ 

Modes'  Brigade : 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  an  order  from  headquarters,  I  have  the 
honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  Rodes'  brig- 
ade while  under  my  command,  in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  of 
the  3d  instant : 

About  six  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  brigade  was  formed  in  the  third  or 
rear  line  of  battle,  and  moved  forward  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
O'Neal.  Proceeding  about  a  mile,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  shell,  we 
passed  the  second  line  of  battle.  Here  Colonel  O'Neal,  who  had  so 
gallantly  led  us,  was  wounded,  and  this  unfortunate  circumstance 
placed  me  in  command  of  the  brigade.  Soon  we  had  overtaken 
the  first  line  of  battle,  which  was  moving  by  the  right  and  left 
flanks.  At  this  point  the  brigade  was  separated,  part  of  the  third 
and  sixth,  and  all  of  the  twelfth  Alabama  regiments  following  the 
troops  moving  by  the  left  flank,  and  part  of  the  sixth,  all  of  the  fifth  and 
twenty-sixth  Alabama  following  those  moving  by  the  right  flank,  this, 
owing  to  the  dense  forest,  was  not  discovered  at  the  time.  I  had  just 
assumed  command,  and  had  not  time  to  pass  to  the  centre  of  the  brig- 
ade before  troops  were  seen  in  my  front.  Believing  them  to  be  our 
men,  I  ordered  my  command  to  cease  firing  and  move  on,  and  soon 
saw  from  his  killed  and  .wounded  that  it  was  the  enemy.  The  com- 
mand was  pressed  rapidly  forward,  under  a  most  terrific  tire  of  shell, 
grape  and  musketry,  to  the  branch  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  earthworks,  on  Chancellor's  hill. 
Seeing  strong  batteries  on  the  hill,  supported  by  heavy  columns  of  in- 
fantrv,  I  halted,  and,  sheltering  the  men  as  much  as  possible,  ordered 
them  to  fire  on  the  men  in  the  works  on  the  hill,  particularly  at  the 
cannoniers.  So  heavy  was  our  fire,  that  it  was  with  difficulty  that 
their  gunners  could  be  kept  at  their  pieces,  and  his  fire  soon  sensibly 
slackened  ;  this  fire  was  kept  up  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  During 
this  time,  Captain  Whiting,  A."  A.  General,  went  back  to  bring  for- 
ward the  balance  of  the  brigade,  from  which,  it  was  here  discovered, 
we  were  separated.  Very  soon  after  halting,  a  battery  opened  on  my 
left,  completely  enfilading  my  entire  line,  but,  owing  to  our  position, 
most  of  the  shot  passed  harmlessly  over  head.  I  again  sent  back  the  or- 
der to  bring  up  the  remainder  of  the  brigade,  which  was  not  found. 
The  battery  on  my  left,  continuing  its  enfilading  fire,  and  heavy  vol- 
lies  of  musketry,  showing  the  enemy  to  be  there  in  strong  force,  I 
sent  notice  to  the  division  commander,  that  unless  they  were  pressed  on 
my  left,  my  flank  would  be  turned,  and  I  could  not  hold  my  posi- 
tion. Just  after  sending  this  message,  I  discovered  that  the  enemy 
in  the  works  on  the   hill  were  in  some  confusion,  when  I  ordered  a 


!23 

charge,  which  was  promptly  obeyed  by  part  of  my  command  The 
works  were  soon  in  my  possession,  together  with  a  battery  of 
five  pieces,  the  enemy  having  fled  with  the  rest  of  his  guns.  The 
colors  of  the  fifth  and  twenty-sixth  Alabama  were  planted  in  a 
short  distance  of  each  other,  on  the  works.  The  works  were  carried 
about  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  by  these  two  regiments,  and  a  small  part 
of  the  sixth,  which  had  become  separated  from  their  regiment.  No- 
ticing at  this  time,  that  all  the  men  had  not  moved  forward  at  the  or- 
der to  charge,  I  returned  to  the  branch,  and  again  ordered  them 
forward,  which  command  was  promptly  obeyed.  While  hurrying  them 
forward,  I  noticed  a  body  of  men  on  my  left,  running.  I  called  to 
an  officer,  then  passing,  asking  him  what  that  meant,  and  who  those 
men  were.  He  stated  that  they  belonged  to  a  brigade  which  I  knew 
to  be  on  my  left,  and  that  "  the  d — d  scoundrels  would  not  fight." 
I  pointed  to  the  works,  telling  him  that  my  men  held  them,  and  called 
on  him  to  assist  me  in  rallying  his  men,  for  the  purpose  of  resisting 
the  enemy,  then  advancing  on  my  left  and  rear.  The  men  could  not 
be  rallied.  The  enemy  continued  to  advance,  unopposed,  and,  gain- 
ing my  rear,  compelled  me  to  evacuate  the  woiks  which  I  had  just 
captured.  This  was  done,  with  a  heavy  loss  of  killed,  wounded  and 
prisoners.  Most  of  the  command  who  escaped,  rallied  and  returned 
with  other  troops,  who  afterwards  captured  the  same  works,  and  these 
troops  were  driven  from  the  works  by  a  column  flanking  them  on  the  left 
and  rear,  as  I  had  been  driven  some  time  before.  After  this,  I  was 
ordered  to  rally  my  command,  and  move  to  the  left  of  the  road,  to 
support  troops  then  engaging  the  enemy.  Afterwards,  the  brigade 
was  formed  in  line  of  battle  at  Chancellorsville,  where  it  remained  un- 
til the  enemy  recrossed  the  river,  when  we  returned  to  our  old  en- 
campment, on  the  night  of  the  Gth  instant;  having  been  absent 
marching  and  fighting  for  eight  days 

In  this  report,  I  have  only  mentioned  the  fifth,  twenty-sixth  and 
patt  of  the  sixth  Alabama  regiments,  because  these  were  the  only 
troops  of  the  brigade  under  my  immediate  command  during  the  bat- 
tle. For  the  part  taken  by  the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade,  in 
this  ever  memorable  engagement,  you  are  respectfully  referred  to  the 
report  of  Colonel  I'ickens,  of  the  twelfth  Alabama,  under  whose  gal- 
lant leadership,  they  so  heroically  fought. 

Justice  demands  that  I  should  mention  Lieutenant  Colonel  Garvin, 
commanding  the  twenty-sixth,  and  Captain  Renfro,  commanding  the 
fifth  Aliibarna,  who  were  both  severely,  if  not  mortally  wounded,  while 
gall  intly  leading  their  regiment?,  and  giving  the  highest  evidence  of 
their  coolness  and  skill,  which  should  ever  characterize  the  true  soldier. 

To  the  cool  and  undaunted  courage  of  Major  H.  A.  Whiting,  A. 
A.  G.,  I  feel  greatly  indebted  for  the  sued  [ing  my  attack  on 

the  works  on  Chancellor's  hill.  If  skill  as  an  officer,  and  gallantry  in 
action,  entitle  any  man  to  promotion,  Major  Whiting  truly  deserves  it. 

For  individual  acts  of  courage,  and  the  casualties  of  the  battle,  you 
arc  respectfully  referred  to  the  reports  of  regimental  commanders. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  rcspectfullv,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.   M.   HALL, 
Colonel  commanding  brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  HAMILTON. 

Headquarters  Second  Brigade,  Light  Division,  ) 
Camp  Gregg,  May  20,  1S63.  \ 

Captain  R.  H.  Fii^ney,  A.  A.  General: 

Captain:  Inconsequence  of  the  wounding  of  Brigadier  General 
McGowan  and  Colonel  0.  E.  Edwards,  thirteenth  regiment  South 
Carolina  volunteers,  early  in  the  day,  on  the  3rd  instant,  I  found 
myself  in  command  of  this  brigade.  It  will  be  unnecessary  for  me 
to  recapitulate  the  movements  of  the  brigade,  on  the  march,  as  I  have 
already,  in  giving  a  report  as  regimental  commander,  detailed  those 
of  first  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers,  which  will  cover  those 
of  the  brigade,  previous  to  our  reaching  the  enemy,  in  rear  of  their 
line  of  works,  beyond  Chancellorsville.  At  sunset,  2nd  instant,  we 
reached  that  part  of  the  field  which  had  been  cleared  by  Brigadier 
General  Rodes  scattering  the  enemy  in  every  direction  ;  passing 
beyond,  we  were  drawn  up  in  line,  by  order  of  Brig.  General  M.-Gowan, 
on  the  plank  road — the  fourteenth  regiment  South  Carolina  volun- 
teers, being  deployed  and  covering  our  front  as  skirmishers.  Here 
we  were  subjected  to  a  heavy  fire  of  shells,  which  was  annexing,  but 
did  not  do  us  a  great  deal  of  damage.  After  remaining  here  until 
about  eieven  o'clock,  orders  were  given  for  an  advance  of  the  brigade- 
thirteenth  South  Carolina  volunteers  on  the  right,  first  South  Caro- 
lina volunteers  next  to  the  rifle  regiment,  (Orr's)  on  the  left,  direct- 
ing battalion.  The  attempt  wus  made,  but  either  in  consequence  of 
the  impossibility  of  advancing  through  a  thick  and  almost  impenetra- 
ble pine  thicket,  or  from  a  change  of  orders,  the  order  was  counter- 
manded. At  twelve  o'clock,  (midnight)  the  brigade  marched  to  a 
position  in  front  of  the  enemy's  breastworks,  with  Brigadier  General 
Lane  on  our  left,  and  Brigadier  General  Archer  on  our  right.  At, 
sunrise  the  advance  was  commenced,  the  brigade,  however,  obliqued 
too  much  to  the  left,  separating  our  line  from  that  of  Brigadier 
General  Archer,  and  somewhat  overlapping  the  right  of  Brigadier 
General  Lane.  So  soon,  however,  as  the  ground  was  cleared  before 
us,  the  four  regiments  engaged  (  first,  thirteenth,  fourteenth  and  Orr's 
rifles)  dashed  at  the  enemy's  first  line  of  breastworks,  and  clearing  them 
with  rapidity,  the  brigade  passed  about  one  hundred  yards  to  the  front 
an4  engaged  the  enemy,  who  appeared  to  be  collected  in  strength  on 
our  right.  Up  to  this  time  Brigadier  General  McGowan  was  active 
and  courageous,  in  urging  on  the  brigade,  exposing  himself  without 
any  sort  of  regard  for  his  own  safety  ;  the  last  that  I  saw  of  him, 
his  huge  form  was  towering  from  the  top  of  the  breastworks,  which 
we  had  just  passed,  he  was  soon  after  unfortunately  wounded,  but  I 
am  happy  to  say,  not  dangerously.  The  brigade  soon  became  very 
hotly  engaged,  particularly  the  two  right  regiments  (  first  and  Orr's 
rifle  regiments.)     The  enemy  finding  our  right  open  and  unsupported 


125 

(Brigadier  General  Archer  having  lost  his  connection  with  our  line, 
from  our  having  obliqued  to  the  left  in  advancing  from  the  cover  of 
the  woods)  pressed  on  to  pass  round  our  light  flank,  and  get  posses- 
sion of  the  breastworks  in  our  rear.  This  being  apparent  to  the  two 
right  regiments,  (first  and  Orr's  rifles,)  they  fell  back  to  the  line  of 
breastworks,  and  contiuned  to  fight  the  enemy,  who,  if  they  had 
pushed  vigorously  forward,  could  at  once  have  driven  us  out,  as  that 
portion  of  the  works  was  unoccupied  for  s;>me  time,  but  such  a  deadly 
fire  was  poured  into  them  whenever  they  showed  themselves,  that 
their  immediate  advance  was  checked.  While  fighting  at  the  breast- 
works, I  learned  that  Colonel  Edwards,  thirteenth  regiment  South 
Carolina  volunteers,  had  a?sumed  command  of  the  brigade.  From  him 
I  did  not  receive  many  orders,  as  he  was,  I  regret  to  say,  soon  very 
severely  wounded  ;  as  likewise  my  gallant  young  subaltern.  Lieutenant 
James  T.  Proctor  (  company  C,  first  regiment)  whom  I  had  just  beforo 
detailed  to  act  as  his  A.  A  General,  who,  after  a  very  few  moments 
of  duty,  lost  his  leg.  We  had  not  fought  for  any  great  length  of  time, 
when  a  portion  of  Major  General  Trimble's  division,  commanded  by 
Brigadier  General  Colston,  came  to  reinforce  us  on  the  right,  but 
from  their  hesitancy  in  taking  the  position,  and  encumbering  us  in 
the  rear,  they  were  but  of  little  use,  and  the  enemy  soon  commenced 
pouring  over  the  breastworks  on  our  right.  My  regiment  (  first  S.  C. 
volunteers)  and  Orr's  rifle  regiment,  being  cut  of  ammunition,  with- 
out the  means  of  replenishing  it,  and  our  flank  exposed  by  the  enemy 
occupying  the  line  (the  prolongation  of  our's)  to  the  right,  it  waa 
deemed  best  to  retire  for  the  time,  which  was  done.  Falling  back  a. 
short  distance  to  a  road  in  rear,  as  commanuer  of  my  own  regiment, 
I  found  Brigadier  General  Colston  rallying  some  of  his  own  troops; 
to  him  I  reported,  asking  that  my  regiment  might  be  supplied  with 
ammunition,  which  was  furnished  me.  The  rifle  regiment  (Orr's) 
eoon  joined  me.  Here  I  learned  for  the  first  time,  that  Colonel  Ed- 
wards was  wounded.  I  assumed  command  of  that  portion  of  the 
brigade  which  was  with  me,  and  soon  resumed  the  advance.  Finding 
the  breastworks  occupied  by  our  own  troops,  I  was  ordered  by  Briga- 
dier General  Colston,  to  march  the  portion  of  the  brigade  wnich  had 
joined  me  across  the  plank  road,  and  occupied  the  position  command- 
ing the  flank  of  the  line  of  breastworks  held  by  our  troops ;  here  I  took 
position  and  remained  under  an  irregular  but  severe  fire  of  shells  for 
two  hours  expecting  every  moment  to  be  engaged  with  the  infantry  of 
the  enemy,  as  scattering  bullets  were  occasionally  reaching  us,  and 
sometimes  heavy  firing  was  heard  immediately  in  our  front,  gradually 
the  fire  slackened.  I  was  left  without  further  orders,  and  finding  tho 
brigade  of  Brigadier  General  Pender,  in  my  rear,  moving  out  into 
the  plank  road,  I  reported  to  him  for  orders,  and  learned  that  he  wa* 
in  command  of  the  light  division,  both  Major  General  A.  P.  Hill  and 
Brigadier  General  lleth,  having  been  slightly  wounded.  After  a 
short  time  we  received  our  rations,  replenished  our  ammunition  and 
being  rejoined  by  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  which  had  been  with  Colonel 
A.  Perrin,  fourteenth  regiment  South  Carolina  volunteers,  I  mirched 
the  brigade,  under  orders  of  Brigadier  General  Pender,  to  a  position 


126 

on  the  left  of  the  plank  road,  and  was  established  on  th 3  front  line  of 
his  division,  facing  eastward  (on  Sunday  afternoon,  3rd  instant,) 
holding  as  he  informed  me,  the  key  of  his  position  and  which  I  was 
ordered  by  him  to  hold  at  all  hazards  and  to  the  last  extremity. 

Throwing  out  skirmishers  to  the  front  and  covering  my  entire  line, 
we  prepared  to  bivouac,  and  obtain  such  rest  as  we  might  in  a  swamp, 
with  dead,  dying  and  roasted  Yankee?,  (the  woods  having  taken  fire 
just  after  the  battle  of  that  day,  3d  instant,)  but  our  rest  was  con- 
stantly interrupted  by  our  skirmishers  becoming  engaged  with  those 
of  the  enemy. 

On  Monday,  the  4th,  I  was  ordered  to  remove  the  brigade  to  a 
position  in  rear  of  the  one  held  by  me  during  the  afternoon  and  night 
before.  Here  I  had  breastworks  rapidly  thrown  up,  six  companies 
covering  my  front  as  skirmishers,  and  scouts  sent  out  to  reconnoitre 
the  position  of  the  enemy.  From  these  scouts  1  learned,  early  in  the 
evening,  that  the  enemy  were  making  no  demonstration  on  their 
right  an  1  in  my  front.  During  this  night  I  could  hexr  the  moving  of 
the  artillery  and  wagon  trains  down  towards  Banks'  ford,  and  so 
reported  it  to  Brigadier  General  Pender,  with  my  impression  that 
they  were  moving  off,  which  subsequent  events  proved  to  be  correct. 
Nothing  of  further  moment  occurred,  beyond  our  pushing  my  skirm- 
ishers, by  a  wheel  of  their  line  to  the  left,  upon  and  against  the  right 
flank  of  those  of  the  enemy. 

I  beg  to  speak  of  the  efficiency  of  Major  Croft,  fourteenth 
South  Carolina  volunteers  ;  Major  Hunt,  thirteenth  South  Carolina 
volunteers,  and  Captains  Butler  and  Haskell,  of  first  regiment  South 
Carolina  volunteers,  and  Captain  Duncan,  thirteenth  regiment  South 
Carolina  volunteers,  while  respectively  in  command  of  skirmishers. 
To  Captain  T.  P.  Ashtcn,  first  regiment  South  Carolina  volurteers, 
who  acted  as  my  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  I  feel  myself  under 
great  obligations  for  his  untiring  zeal  and  efficiency.  He  was  ready 
at  all  hours  to  go  to  any  position,  either  to  the  skirmishers  in  front, 
or  along  the  line  ;  his  calm,  courageous  bearing  won  my  admiration  and 
esteem,  and  to  hi.-:  intelligence  and  ready  perception  of  his  duties, 
my  labors,  which  would  have  been  arduous  iu  being  placed  suddenly 
in  command  of  the  brigade,  were  lightened  by  his  aid. 

After  remaining  at  our  entrenched  position,  we  marched  off  on 
Wednesday,  the  Cth  instant,  and  returned  to  this  camp,  on  Thursday, 
7th  instant. 

It  remains  now  but  to  speak  of  our  losses.  They  were  heavy, 
(lists  of  which  have  already  been  forwarded  to  division  headquarters, 
Brigadier  General  Pender,)  and  among  them  I  regret  to  announce 
the  death  of  Colonel  James  M.  Perrin,  Orr"s  rifle  regiment,  who  was 
mortally  wounded  while  gallantly  fighting  his  regiment  at  the  breast- 
works, on  Sundxy,  3d  May.  Colonel  Perrin  was  one  of  the  captains 
of  my  old  regiment,  (first  South  Carolina  volunteers,)  and  on  duty 
with  me  in  South  Carolina  previous  to  my  comingto  Virginia,  in 
1861.  Since  then  he  has,  at  various  times,  been  under  my  command. 
A  more  zealous  or  efficient  officer  could  not  have  been  found  in  this 
command.     Noble,  brave,  and  pious,  he  lived  to  win  the  admiration 


127 

and  esteem  of  his  friends,  and  we  will  trust  died  to  receive  the  reward 
of  a  lift  spent  in  the  strict  discharge  of  every  duty. 

I  beg  to  enclose  the  reports  of  the  thirteenth,  first,  fourteenth  and 
Orr's  rifles,  South  Carolina  volunteers.  The  twelfth  regiment.  South 
Carolina  volunteers,  was  not  engaged  in  the  battle,  but  was  detailed 
as  a  guard  to  prisoners,  and,  on  Monday,  the  4th  May,  was  sent  off 
to  Richmond,  with  upwards  of  two  thousand  prisoners,  and  did  not 
return  to  the  brigade  until  two  days  after  our  return  to  this  camp. 
I  am,  Captain,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

D.  II.  HAMILTON, 
Colonel,  commanding  Second  Brigade,  Light  Division. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BROCKENBROUGH. 

Headquarters  Heth's  Brigade,  May  18,   1863. 

R.  H.  Finney,  A.  A.   G.  Light  Division  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  this  brigade  during  the  late  battles  of  the  2nd  and  3rd 
of  May  in  the  vicinity  of  Chancellorsville.  Leaving  Hamilton's 
Crossing  at  early  dawn  on  the  1st,  the  brigade  halted  at  seven  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  on  the  plank  road,  about  one  mile  east  of  Chancellorsville. 
The  advanced  troops  of  our  corps  had  encountered  the  enomy  near 
Salem  church,  and  with  slight  resistance  they  fled  to  their  works. 
At  ten  o'clock  on  tho  following  morning,  leaving  the  turnpike  to  our 
right  and  moving  upon  the  old  furnace  road,  we  turned  the  right  flank 
of  the  enemy  and,  at  five  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M.,  reached  the  plank 
road  again,  about  four  miles  west  of  Chancellorsville  and  in  their 
rear.  Here  we  formed  line  of  battle  and  commeuced  a  rapid  advance, 
this  brigade  occupying  the  second  line.  Our  approach  in  that  direction 
seemed  to  take  by  surprise  and  create  a  considerable  panic  among  the 
enemy,  who,  notwithstanding  they  occupied  superior  natural  posi- 
tions, strengthened  by  works  of  magnitude,  fled  at  our  approach, 
night  alone  giving  them  quarter.  We  pursued  them  within  three- 
fourths  of  a  mile  of  Chancellorsville.  The  rapid  flight  of  the  enemy, 
the  eagerndfes  of  our  pursuit,  the  tangled  wilderness  through  which 
we  had  marched,  and  the  darkness  of  the  night  created  much  confu- 
sion in  our  ranks,  which  at  this  point  was  increased  by  a  deadly  fire 
poured  into  our  ranks  by  friends  and  foes  from  our  right,  left  and 
front.  Artillery,  with  their  caissons,  occupied  the  road  abreast  of 
U3,  and,  without  drivers,  dashed  headlong  through  our  ranks.  Under 
these  circumstances,  our  troops  halted,  and  the  chase  ended  for  the 
night.  During  the  night  the  enemy  was  not  idle,  but  worked  like 
beavers  in  erecting  the  most  formidable  barricades  and  breastworks, 
thus  partially  relieving  themselves  of  the  panic  of  the  previous  even- 
ing and  determining  them  to  give  battle.  Early  on  the  morning  of 
the  3rd,  the  brigade,  by  General  Heth's  order,  was  again  deployed  ia 
line  of  battle,  extending  on  either  side  of  the  road,  th3  fortieth  and 
forty-seventh  Virginia  regiments  on  the  right,  following  Genera! 
Lane's  brigade;  the  fifty-fifth  and  twenty-second  Virginia  on  the 
left,  supporting  General  Pender.  The  advance  of  our  leading  line 
became  irregular,  and  the  turnpike,  which  separated  the  brigade, 
being  much  more  elevated  than  the  ground  upoa  either  side,  the 
interval  between  the  two  portions  became  so  considerable  as  not  to  be 
seen,  the  one  by  the  other.  BeiDg  in  close  proximity  to  the  enemy, 
our  advance  line  in  a  few  minutes  became  hotly  engaged,  and  we 
were  exposed  to  the  most  deadly  fire  I  have  ever  experienced.  Very 
goon  the  troops  in  advance  were  forced  back  through  our  lines,  leav- 
ing us  without  support  on  either  flank.  The  two  regiments  on  the 
left  of  the  road  had  by  this  time  moved  within  one  hundred  yards  of 


129 

the  enemy's  entrenchments,  and,  while  fiercely  engaging  theu,  had 
their  left  turned  and  were  compelled  to  retire.  The  two  regiments  oa 
the  right  remained  in  their  position,  awaiting  support  to  charge  the 
enemy's  works.  Finding  no  one  disposed  to  move,  though  many 
thousands  had  taken  shelter  behind  the  barricade,  our  line  was 
formed,  and  being  joined  by  about  twelve  hundred  troops  of  different 
biigM<les,  we  led  the  second  charge.  Upon  reaching  the  edge  of  the 
field  these  troops,  with  a  yell,  increased  their  speed  to  a  double  quick, 
and,  such  was  the  impetuosity  of  the  charge,  that  the  enemy's  resist- 
ance, though  fierce  and  bloody,  was  of  short  duration.  Wc  eooa 
triumphantly  mounted  their  entrenchments,  completely  rou.ing  them 
from  a  position  from  which  it  is  almost  impossible  to  conceive  how  &n 
army  could  be  driven.  On  gaining  the  works,  we  discovered  the  field 
literally  crowded  with  men  flying  in  every  direction  and  poured  into 
them  a  deadly  fire.  Occupying  this  position  about  two  minutes,  we 
discovered  troops  advancing  through  the  woods  upon  our  left  r.ad 
supposed  they  were  friends,  till  a  volley  fired  into  our  left  and  rear 
removed  the  delusion.  Their  numbers  and  position  being  vastly  su- 
perior to  ours,  and  unsupported  on  our  left,  we  were  again  force  J  to 
retire.  As  soon  as  our  artillery  shelled  this  piece  of  woods,  we 
advanced  a  third  line  and  held  the  position.  Artillery  now  coming 
to  our  support,  soon  silenced  the  enemy's  batteries  (which  had 
harassed  us  during  tho  entire  day)  and  forced  them  to  abandon  in 
great  confusion  their  strong  and  well  selected  position,  to  take  shelter 
in  the  wilderness  and  retreat  towards  the  river. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  brigade  in  killed  and  wounded  amounted 
to  thirty- three  officers  and  two  hundred  and  seventy  enlisted  men. 
Could  aught  repay  us  for  the  noble  spirits  who  have  fallen,  we  ^".r.ld 
find  consolaticn  in  the  glorious  victory  achieved;  but  our  little 
brigade,  and  the  entire  corps,  will  long  miss  and  mourn  the  loss  of 
the  experienced  and  gallant  dead.  With  few  exceptions,  the  bearing 
and  conduct  of  officers  and  men  were  unexceptionable. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  M.  BROCKENBROUUH, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade, 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BALDWIN. 

Ordnance  Office,  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  > 

May  20th,  1863.  \ 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  A.  N.   V.  ; 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  following  as  the  principal  cap- 
tures  in  the  recent  engagements  near  Fredericksburg  and  Chancellors- 
ville : 

Artillery. 

Five  twelve-pounder  Napoleons ;  seven  three-inch  rifles  ;  one  ten~ 
pounder  Parrot ;  nine  caissons  ;  four  rear  parts  of  caissons  ;  three  bat- 
tery wagon3 ;  two  forges  ;  fifteen  hundred  rounds  artillery  ammuni- 
tion ;  a  large  lot  of  artillery  harness,  a  large  lot  of  wheels,  axles, 
fmimui'tion,  chests,  &c. 

Infantry. 

Twenty-nine  thousand  five  hundred  collected,  ten  thousand  admit- 
ted dropped  by  our  men,  nineteen  thousand  five  hundred  captured  \ 
nineteen  thousand  five  hundred  muskets  and  rifles  ;  eight  thousand 
cartridge  boxes ;  four  thousand  cap  pouches ;  eleven  thousand  five 
hundred  knapsacks ;  three  hundred  thousand  rounds  infantry  ammu- 
nition. 

I  have  carefully  confined  myself  to  what  has  been  reported  as  col- 
lected and  counted.  This,  of  course,  is  considerably  less  than  tho 
amount  actually  captured,  as  a  number  of  unarmed  men  supplied 
themselves  with  arms,  accoutrements,  &c,  and  the  army,  generally, 
helped  themselves  from  the  catridge  boxes  of  the  enemy.  Also  every 
day  email  lots  of  muskets  and  rifles  are  brought  in;  and,  without 
doubt,  quite  a  number  of  arms,  &c,  are  retained  in  regimental  ord- 
nance wagons,  for  further  contingencies,  and  not  reported.  A  large 
quantity  of  lead  has  been  and  is  now  being  collected  from  the  battl©« 
fields. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

BRISCOE  G.  BALDWIN, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  and  Chief  of  Ordnance,  A.  N.   V< 


131 


LIST  OF   CASDUALTIES  in  the  Battle  of  Chancellor  svilk,  May 

2d  and  Sd,  1863. 


Command. 


Brigade. 


Lt.  Gen.  Thos. 
J.  Jackson... 

Captain  J.  K. 
Bos  well,  en- 
gineer dep't.. 

Signal  corps.... 

Genl's  escort... 

6th   Louisiana, 

6th  " 

7th 

8th 

9th  " 

Capt.  J.  Mitch- 
ell, A.  A.  G. 
Gordon's  bri. 

13th  Georgia... 

26th 

81  st  " 

38th 

60th  " 

61st  " 

Brig.  Gen.  R. 
F.Hoke 

6th   No    Caro. 

21st 

21th  « 

67ih  •< 

1st  N.  C.  bat'n 

13th  Virginia.. 

49th 

62d  " 

68th 

Major  Gen.  A. 
P.  Hill 

Capt.  Forbes... 

Genl's  escort... 

Brig.  General 
H.  Heth 

47th  Virginia.. 

66th 

22d  Va.  batt'n. 

40th  Virginia.. 

Brig.  General 
McGowan.... 

Capt  Hackell, 
A    A.G 

1st  S.  Carolina 

Orr's  Rifle;- 

12th  S.  Caro..- 

18th 

14th 

14th    Georgia.. 

36th  ««     • 

45th 

49th 


Hay's, 


Gordon's, 


Hoke's, 


Smith's, 


H.  Heth, 


McGowsn, 


Thomas, 


Carried     forward. 


Division. 


Early's, 


A.  P.  Hill's, 


Killed. 


9 

it; 

6 

12 

21 


8 
15 


1 

20 

6 

14 


12 
19 


240 


Wounded. 


2 
44 
66 
76 
71 
61 


1 

27 
21 
20 
18 
30 
28 

1 
21 

63 
38 
61 
11 
81 
10 
8 
26 


1 
48 
80 

23 

::\ 


l 

80 
92 
2 
60 
87 
67 
27 
29 
83 


Total. 


1,440 


1,680 


132 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES—  Continued. 


Command. 

Brigade. 

Division. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Total. 

Brought 
17th  No.  Caro. 

240 
37 

1,440 
127 

l,r,80 

Lane's, 

A.  P.  Hill's, 

104 

18th 

u 

ii 

30 

96 

126 

28th          " 

u 

ii 

12 

77 

89 

83d 

tt 

ii 

28 

105 

133 

87th          " 

«' 

a 

34 

193 

227 

1st  Tennessee.. 

Archer's, 

(< 

8 

50 

58 

7th 

n 

(i 

11 

45 

56 

14th 

n 

<< 

7 

28 

35 

6th  Ala.  bat'n. 

i< 

ii 

3 

30 

33 

]3th  Alabama. 

ii 

ii 

13 

127 

140 

Gen.  Trimble'. 

staff 

Trimble's 

1 

2 
3 

3 

Pioneer  cops... 
10th  Virginia  . 

3 

Colston's, 

ii 

23 

101 

124 

23d 

" 

<i 

9 

53 

62 

37th          " 

ti 

ii 

19 

89 

108 

1st  No   Caro... 

a 

<< 

34 

83 

117 

8d 

<< 

ii 

38 

141 

179 

Brig.    General 

E.  F.  Paxton 
2d    Virginia... 

1 

1 

E.  F.  Paxton's, 

<( 

8 

58 

66 

4th            " 

ii 

<« 

14 

149 

163 

6th            " 

ii 

<< 

7 

113 

120 

27th          " 

" 

«' 

9 

62 

71 

83d 

ii 

CI 

10 

56 

66 

Brijr.    Gen.  F 

T.  Nicholls.. 
1st  Louisiana.. 

1 

1 

F.T.  Nicholls', 

(1 

8 

27 

35 

2d             " 

•» 

II 

15 

90 

105 

10th          '« 

(« 

II 

15 

51 

66 

14th          ■« 

it 

II 

4 

60 

64 

15th 

ii 

" 

5 

37 

42 

General  Jones' 

elaff 

Jones', 

<< 
II 

1 

40 

1 

21st  Virginia... 

4 

44 

42d 

•< 

II 

15 

120 

135 

44th          •« 

ec 

II 

13 

58 

71 

48th          « 

ii 

<( 

12 

91 

108 

60th 

" 

(( 

8 

110 

118 

Artillery  corps, 
2d  arm j  corps 

26 

124 

150 

12th  Alabama. 

Bodes' 

D.  H.  Hill's, 

14 

77 

91 

2Gth 

ii 

tc 

13 

85 

98 

6th 

n 

<< 

24 

130 

154 

6th            - 

•  1 

it 

24 

125 

149 

3d 

u 

II 

17 

121 

138 

6th    Georgia.... 

(.Vilquilt'8, 

ii 

2 

39 

41 

23d 

27th         «« 

II 

4 

4 

<< 

•  i 

2 

39 

41 

28th          " 

«< 

ii 

2 

31 

83 

19ih          " 

II 

ii 

2 

31 

33 

4th 

Doles', 

ii 

29 

121 

160 

11th         ** 

.. 

II 

11 

46 

5T 

21tt          " 

•  i 

II 

13 

72 

ss 

44th         « 

"          .    . 

it 

11 

10'» 

111 

Carried 

885 

5,059 

6,943 

133 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES- 

—Continued. 

Command. 

Brigade. 

Division. 

Killed. 

Wounded. 

Total. 

Brought 

885 

5,059 

6,943 

30th  N.   Car l*a 

Kamseur's, 

D.  H.  Hill's, 

I!.') 

98 

123 

4th 

" 

it 

45 

110 

155 

14th 

<< 

it 

15 

116 

131 

2d 

ii 

ii 

47 

167 

214 

5th            " 

Iverson's, 

it 

4 

37 

41 

12th 

'« 

ii 

12 

95 

1"7 

20th 

•i 

it 

13 

64 

77 

23d 

ii 

<< 

32 

113 

145 

1 2i  h  Virginia.. 

Mahone's, 

Anderson's, 

5 

27 

32 

16th 

" 

ii 

1 

17 

18 

41st 

ii 

ii 

6 

2a 

28 

6lst 

u 

n 

4 

28 

32 

6th 

ii 

ii 

6 

34 

39 

Gran  ly's  Bat'y 

«« 

" 

1 

3 

4 

8th  Florida 

Terry's, 

ii 

11 

36 

47 

2d 

" 

ii 

3 

29 

32 

3th 

" 

it 

6 

22 

28 

8th  Alabama... 

Wilcox's, 

it 

5 

45 

50 

9th 

ii 

it 

21 

90 

111 

10th 

ii 

ii 

12 

61 

73 

11th 

ii 

ii 

10 

72 

82 

14th 

14 

ii 

7 

116 

123 

Lewis's    Bt'ry. 

Posey's, 

i< 
ii 

6 
59 

5 

16th  Mississ'pi 

17 

76 

12th 

it 

it 

3 

33 

36 

19th 

i< 

ii 

6 

40 

46 

48th 

<< 

ii 

10 

44 

54 

2d   Q».    Bat'ln 

Wright's, 

ii 

2 

26 

28 

22d    Georgia... 

ii 

•« 

6 

70 

75 

3d 

ii 

•  t 

11 

111 

122 

48th 

ii 

ii 

7 

41 

48 

13th  N.  Carl'a 

Pender's, 

A.  P.  Hill's, 

31 

178 

209 

16th 

ii 

it 

17 

73 

90 

22d 

ii 

ii 

30 

139 

169 

S4t!i 

«i 

ii 

18 

110 

128 

38th 

<< 

it 

20 

77 

97 

18ih    Georgia.. 

Wofford's, 

McLaws', 

14 

72 

86 

24th 

" 

it 

14 

73 

87 

16th 

<< 

it 

18 

115 

133 

Oabb's  Legion. 

ii 

ii 

22 

135 

167 

Philips'     •« 

it 

ii 

3 

19 

22 

Field  and  Staff 

a 

Kershaw's, 

it 
ii 

1 

9 

1 

15  h    S.  Carl'a 

46 

54 

7th 

it 
it 

it 
1 1 
ii 

14 

11 

8 

14 

2d 

11 

James'     Bat'ln 

1 

9 

3d  S.  Carolina. 

it 

ii 

1 

11 

12 

13th  Missisap'i 

Barksdalo's, 

it 

7 

43 

60 

17th 

•' 

ii 

10 

70 

80 

18th 

it 

it 

25 

43 

68 

21st 

•v               II 

ii 

3 

25 

28 

61st  Georgia.. 

Semmes', 

« 

30 

119 

149 

10th 

ii 

it 

23 

105 

128 

63d 

it 

" 

15 

105 

120 

60th 

it 

ii 

17 

163 

170 

Cable  Artill'y. 

«« 

4 

12 

16 

Wash. 

4 

8 

12 

Alexander's  •' 

5 

35 

40 

Lee's     Cavalry 

Brigade 

Stuart's, 

4 

7 

11 

Total 

1,581 

8,701. 

10,281 

BATTLE  OF  KELLEYSVILLE. 


REPORT    OF   MAJOR   GENERAL  STUART. 


Headquarters  Cavalry  Division,  Army  Of  Northern   Va., 

March  25,   1863. 

Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  and  I.  (?.,  Headq-mrtcrs  Army  of  Northern   Virginia  : 

General:  1  have  the  honor  to  enclose  herewith  the  very  graphic 
report  of  Brigadier  General  Fit/.hugh  Lee  of  the  battle  of  Kelleys- 
ville,  March  1 7th,  between  hie  brigade  and  a  division  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry.  There  is  little  to  be  said  in  addition.  The  disposition* 
made  for  meeting  this  anticipated  raid  were  sufficient  to  have  pre  • 
vented  or  very  much  retarded  the  crossing  of  the  Rappahannock  at 
Kelleysville.  The  report  shows  wherein  these  dispositions  failed  of 
their  object.  The  brigade,  however,  under  its  noble  chief,  so  re- 
deemed the  day  by  an  exhibition  of  the  most  extraordinary  heroism 
that  we  are  half  disposed  to  lose  sight  of  the  picket  failure  in  the 
outset. 

Being  charged  by  the  commanding  General  specially  with  the  pre- 
parations to  meet  Stoneman,  I  was  present  on  the  occasion  because 
of  the  responsibility  which  would  necessarily  attach  to  me  for  what 
was  done  ;  but,  having  approved  of  General  Fitzhugh  Lee's  plans,  I 
determined  not  to  interfere  with  his  command  of  the  brigade  as  long 
as  it  was  commanded  entirely  to  my  satisfaction,  and  I  took  special 
pride  in  witnessing  its  gallant  conduct  under  its  accomplished  leader 
The  defeat  was  decided  and  the  enemy,  broken  and  demoralized,  re- 
tired, under  cover  of  darkness,  to  his  place  of  refuge— the  main 
army — having  abandoned  in  defeat  an  expedition  commenced  with 
boasting  and  vain-glorious  demonstration.  I  have  the  honor  to 
enclose  a  copy  of  congratulatory  orders  trom  division  and  brig 
headquarters,  and  an  order  announcing  to  the  division  the  death  of 
the  lamented  and  noble  Pelham.  I  was  especially  indebted  to  him 
for  his  usual  gallant  services,  and  to  Captain  Harry  Gilmer,  twelfth 
Virginia  cavalry,  who  accompanied  me  as  volunteer  staff.  Majof 
Louis  F.  Tcrrill,  the  court-mart.hl  to  which  he  belonged  having  taken 


136 

recess,  buckled  on  his  sword  with  very  commendable  zeal  and  came 
to  the  field,  where  he  acquitted  himsulf  with  credit,  both  as  an  artil- 
lerist and  as  staff  officer.  I  cordially  concur  with  the  brigadier 
general  commanding;  in  the  high  praise  bestowed  by  him  on  Colonel 
T.  L.  ilosser,  fifth  Virginia  cavalry,  who,  though  severely  wounded 
et  two,  P.  M.,  remained  in  command  at  the  head  of  his  regiment  till 
the  day  was  won  and  night  put  an  end  to  further  operations  ;  on 
Colonel  James  H.  Drake,  first  Virginia  cavalry,  who  led  his  regiment 
in  a  brilliant  charge  upon  the  enemy's  flank,  routing  and  pursuing 
him  to  his  stronghold;  on  the  lamented  Puller  and  his  comrades 
fallen;  on  Lieutenant  Hill  Carter,  third  Virginia  cavalry,  and  Peter 
Fontaine,  fourth  Virginia  cavalry,  whose  individual  prowess  attracted 
my  personal  attention  and  remark,  the  latter  receiving  a  severe 
wound;  on  the  very  efficient  staff  of  General  Lee  enumerated  in  his 
report,  and  the  many  others  to  whom  the  17th  of  March  will  ever  be 
the  proudest  of  days. 

Brigadier  General  Fitz  Leo  exhibited  in  the  operations  antecedent 
to  and  consequent  upon  the  enemy's  crossing  the  sagacity  of  a  suc- 
cessful general,  and,  under  the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  we  are 
indebted  to  his  prompt  and  vigorous  action  and  the  determined 
bravery  of  his  men  lor  this  signal  victory,  which,  when  the  od.ls  are 
considered,  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant  achievements  of  the  war,, 
General  Lee's  command  in  action  being  less  than  eight  hundred. 
Most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  E    B.  STUART, 
Major  General  commanding. 


IlKADtlUARTERp  CaVALKY   DIVISION",   ArMY  OF    NORTHERN  Va.,  > 

March  20,  1863.       \ 

GEITBRAL  ORDERS, 
No.  y. 

The  Major  General  commanding  approaches  with  reluctance  the 
painful  duty  of  announcing  to  the  division  its  irreparable  loss  in  the 
death  of  Major  John  Pelham,  commanding  the  horse  artillery.  He 
fell  mortally  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Kelleysville,  March  17th,  with 
the  battle  cry  on  his  lips  and  the  light  of  victory  beaming  from  his 
eye. 

To  you,  his  comrades,  it  is  needless  to  dwell  upon  what  you  have 
Bo  often  witnessed,  his  prowess  in  action,  already  proverbial.  You 
well  know  how,  though  young  in  years,  a  mere  stripling,  in  appear- 
ance, remarkable  for  his  genuine  modesty  of  deportment,  he  yet  dis- 
closed on  the  battle-field  the  conduct  of  a  veteran,  and  displayed  in 
his  handsome  person  the  most  imperturbable  coolness  in  danger.  Tits 
eye  had  glanced  on  every  battle-field  of  this  army  from  the  first  Ma- 
naseas  to  the  moment  of  his  death,  and  he  was,  with  a  single  excep- 
tion, a  brilliant  actor  in  all.  The  memory  of  the.  galhnt  Pel/tarn,  his 
many  manly  virtues,   his  noble  nature  and  purity  of  character  is 


137 

enshrined  as  a  sacred  legacy  in  the  h?arts  of  all  who  knew  him.  His 
record  has  been  bright  and  spotless,  his  career  brilliant  and  success- 
ful. He  fell  the  noblest  of  sacrifices  on  the  altar  of  hi3  country,  to 
whose  glorious  service  he  had  devoted  his  life  from  the  beginning  of 
the  war.  In  token  of  respect  for  his  cherished  memory  the  horse 
artillery  and  division  staff  will  wear  the  military  badge  of  mourning 
for  thirty  days,  and  the  senior  officer  of  the  staff,  Major  Von  Borck, 
will  place  his  remains  in  the  possession  of  his  bereaved  family,  to 
whom  is  tendered,  in  behalf  of  the  division,  the  assurance  of  the. 
heartfelt  sympathy  in  this  deep  tribulation.  In  mourning  his  dopar-> 
ture  from  his  accustomed  post  of  honor  on  the  field,  let  us  strive  to 
imitate  his  virtues,  and  trust  that  what  is  loss  to  us  may  be  more  than 
gain  to  him. 

By  command  of  Major  General  J.  E.  B.  Stuart. 

R.  CIIANNING  I  RICE, 
Major  and  Assistant  Adjutant  General, 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FITZ.  LEE. 

Headquaters  Lee's  Cavalry  Brigade,  ) 
March  23,  1863.      5 

General  R.  H.  Chilton, 

A.  A.  G.  and  A.  J.  G.,  A.  N.  V.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  an  en- 
counter on  the  seventeenth  instant,  between  my  brigade  and  a  divis- 
ion of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  certainly  not  less  than  three  thousand 
mounted  men,  with  a  battery  of  artillery  : 

My  first  intimation  of  their  approach  was  in  a  telegram  received  at 
eleven,  A.  M.,  on  the  16th,  from  headquarters,  army  Northern  Vir- 
ginia. At  six,  P.  M.,  scouts  reported  them  at  Morrisville,  a  little 
place  six  miles  from  Kelley's  ford.  At  one,  A.  M.,  another  report 
informed  me  that  enemy  had  encamped  at  that  place,  coming  from 
three  different  directions.  I  that  night  reinforced  my  picket  of  twenty 
sharp  shooters  by  forty  more.  I  regret  to  say  that  only  about  eleven  or 
twelve  of  them  got  into  the  rifle-pits  in  time  for  the  attack  of  the 
enemy,  (owing  to  an  unnecessary  delay  in  carrying  their  horses  to  the 
rear,)  which  commenced  about  five  A.  M. 

The  force  in  the  pits  under  Ca-ptain  James  Breckenridge,  of  the  se- 
cond, behaved  very  gallantly,  holding  in  check  a  large  force  of  the 
enemy,  mounted  and  dismounted,  for  an  hour  and  a  half,  killing  and 
wounding  thirty  or  forty  of  them.  I  also  ordered  the  remaining 
sharpshooters  of  the  brigade  under  that  very  efficient  officer,  Major 
Morgan,  first  Virginia,  to  move  from  their  camps  by  daybreak,  to  a 
piont  on  the  railroad,  where  the  road  turns  to  Kelley's,  half  a  mile 
from  the  railroad  bridge,  and  three  and  a  half  from  Kelley's  ;  and  the 
rest  of  the  command  was  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  move  at  the 
shortest  notice.  At  that  time  a  force  was  reported  to  be  at  Bealeton, 
supposed  to  be  their  advance  cuard,  and  it  was  uncertain  whether 
they  would  attempt  to  cross  at  Kelley's,  the  railroad  bridge,  or  move 
on  towards  Warren  ton. 

The  report  that  the  enemy's  attack  was  made  at  Kelley's  never 
reached  me ;  and  the  first  intimation  I  received  from  that  point  was 
at  half-past  seven,  A.  M.,  to  the  effect  that  they  had  succeeded  in 
crossing,  capturing  twenty-five  of  my  sharpshooters,  who  were  una- 
ble to  reach  their  horses.  I  moved  my  command  at  once  down  the  rail- 
road, taking  up  a  position,  to  await  their  approach,  ordering  my 
baggage  wagons  and  disabled  horses  to  the  rear,  towards  Rapidan  sta- 
tion. Some  time  elapsing,  and  they  not  advancing,  I  determined  to 
move  upon  them,  and  marched  immediately  for  Kelley's.  First  met 
the  enemy  half  a  mile  this  side  of  the  ford,  and  at  once  charged  them. 
Their  position  was  a  very  strong  one,  sheltered  by  woods,  and  a  long, 
high  stone  fence,  running  at  right  angles  to  my  advance.  My  men 
unable  to  cross  the  fence  and  ditch  in  their  front,  wheeled  about,  de- 
livering their  fire  almost  in  the  faces  of  the  enemy,  and  reformed 
again,  facing  about,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  their  artillery  and  small 


139 

arms.     The  third,  in  this  charge,  was  in  front,  and  first  Lieutenant 
Hill  Carter  was  very  conspicuous  in  his  behavior. 

From  that  time  it  was  a  succession  of  gallant  charges  by  the  vari- 
ous regiments,  and  once  by  the  whole  brigade  in  line,  whenever  the. 
enemy  would  show  his  mounted  men,  (they  invariably  falling  back 
upon  his  artillery,)  and  sheltered,  dismounted  skirmishers.  Their  to- 
tal advarice  was  two  miles  from  the  ford.  At  that  time,  my  artillery 
anived,  and  they  were  driven  back,  recrossing  the  river  about  half- 
past  seven,  with  us  in  close  pursuit. 

My  whole  command  acted  nobly.  Sabres  were  frequently  crossed, 
and  fences  charged  up  to;  the  leading  men  dismounting  and  pulling 
them  down,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  canister,  grape  and  carbine  balls. 
Had  I  my  command  in  the  order  it  arrived  in  this  enervating  sec- 
tion of  country,  and  not  weakened  by  the  absence  of  four  squadrons 
on  picket,  guarding  a  line  stretching  from  Griffinsburg  on  the  Sper- 
ryville  turmpike  to  Richard's  ford,  and  by  the  large  number  of  horses 
unfit  for  duty  by  exposure  to  the  severe  winter,  with  a  very  limited 
supply  of  forage,  I  feel  confident  the  defeat  of  the  enemy  would  have 
been  changed  into  a  disorderly  rout,  and  the  whole  brigade  resupplied 
with  horses,  saddles  and  bridles. 

Commanding  officers  of  the  detachments  from  the  various  regiments 
engaged,  mention,  in  their  reports,  as  deserving  special  attention  :  In 
the  fifth,  private  Wm.  J.  Haynes,  company  F,  badly  wounded;  pri- 
vate A.  R.  llarwood,  company  E ;  private  Henry  Wooding,  company 
C,  especially  commended,  siezed  the  colors  when  the  horse  of  the 
color-bearer  was  shot,  and  carried  them  bravely  through  the  fight; 
sergeants  Morecockand  Ratcliffe,  and  private  George  James,  company 
H.  In  the  fourth,  Captains  Newton  and  Old,  Lieutenant  Hobson  and 
Adjutant  Fontaine,  seriously  wounded.  Sergeant  Kimborcugh,  of 
company  G,  deserves  particular  notice,  wounded  early  in  the  day, 
he  refused  to  leave  the  field.  In  the  last  charge,  he  was#  the  first  to 
spring  to  the  ground  to  open  the  fence  ;  then  dashing  on  at  the  head 
of  the  column,  he  was  twice  sabred  over  the  head,  his  arm  shattered 
by  a  bullet,  captured  and  carried  over  the  river,  when  he  escaped  and 
walked  back,  twelve  miles,  to  his  camp.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Payne 
commanding,  also  mentions  privates  Joseph  Gilman,  J.  R.  Gilman, 
Poindexter,  Redd,  Sydnor,  Terry  and  N.  Priddy.  In  the  third,  Cap- 
tain Collins,  company  11 ;  Lieutenants  Hill  Carter  and  John  Lamb, 
of  company  D;  Lieutenant  Stamper,  of  company  F  ;  Lieutenant  R.  F. 
Hubbard,  company  G  ;  and  first  Lieutenant  Hall,  of  company  C  ;  was 
twice  wounded,  before  be  desisted  from  the  charge,  and  when  retiring, 
received  a  third  and  still  more  severe  wound,  and  was  unable  to  leave 
the  field.  Adjutant  II.  B.  McClellan  is  also  particularly  commended 
for  his  gallantry.  Acting  sergeant-major,  E.  W.  Price,  company  K, 
piivate  Keech,  company  I  ;  and  bugler-drilling  sergeant  Betts,  of 
company  C  ;  Privates  Young,  company  B  ;  Fowler,  company  G  ;  and 
Wilkins,  company  C,  died  as  became  brave  men,  in  the  front  of  the 
charge,  at  the  head  of  the  column. 

In  the  second,  the  commanding  officer  reports,  where  fo  many  be- 


140 

haved  themselves  with  so  much  gallantry,  he  does  not  like  to  discrimi- 
nate. 

In  the  first,  Captain  Jordan,  company  0,  and  Lieutenant  Cecil, 
company  K,  specially  commended  for  reckless  daring,  without  a 
parallel.  As  coming  under  my  own  observation,  1  pirticularly 
noticed  Colonel  T.  L.  Rosser,  of  the  fifth,  and  his  habitual  coolness 
and  daring,  charging  at  the  head  of  his  regiment.  Co'onel  James 
Drake,  of  the  first,  always  ready,  at  the  right  time  and  plice.  Colo- 
nel T.  H.  Owen,  of  the  third,  begging  to  be  allowed  to  charge  again 
and  again.  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  II.  Payne,  of  the  fourth,  un- 
mindful of  his  former  dreadful  wound,  using  his  sabre  with  effect  in 
hand  to  hand  conflict,  and  the  imperturbable  self-possessed  .\Tajor 
Breckinridge,  of  the  second,  whose  boldr.ess  led  him  so  far  that  he 
was  captured,  his  horse  being  shot.  Colonel  T.  L.  Manford.  of  the 
second,  I  regret  to  say,  was  president  of  a  court  martial  in  Culpeper 
Court  House,  and  did  not  know  of  the  action,  in  time  to  join  his 
command,  until  the  fight  was  nearly  over.  I  also  recommend,  for 
their  behavior,  Captain  Tebbs,  of  the  second,  and  Captain  Litch- 
field and  Lieutenant  Dorsey,  of  the  first ;  also  Major  W.  D.  Morgan, 
of  the  first. 

My  personal  staff,  Majr»r  Mason,  Captains  Fergusson  and  Bjwling, 
Dr.  J.  B.  Fontaine,  and  Lieutenants  Lee,  Ryals  and  Minnegerode, 
rendered  great  service  by  their  accurate  and  a  quick  transmission  of 
orders,  and  by  their  conduct  under  fire.  Surgeon  Fontaine's  horse 
was  killed  under  him,  and  my  own  horse  was  also  shot ;  but,  through 
the  generosity  of  private  John  H  Owings,  company  K,  first  Vir- 
ginia cavalry,  attached  to  my  headquarters,  was  quickly  replaced  by 
his. 

The  conduct  of  couriers  Owings,  Lee,  Nightingale  and  Henry 
Shackelford,  deserves  the  highest  praise.  The  enemy's  loss  was 
heavy.  Besides  leaving  a  number  of  his  dead  and  wounded  on  the 
field,  he  carried  off  a  large  number  on  horses  and  in  ambulances. 
We  captured  twenty-nine  prisoners — a  captain,  two  lieutenants,  and 
twenty-six  privates.  My  own  loss  was  eleven  killed,  eighty-eight 
wounded  and  thirty  four  taken  prisoners,  making  an  aggregate  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-three.  In  horses  seventy-one  killed,  eighty- 
seven  wounded,  twelve  captured,  making  an  aggregate  loss  of  horses 
one  hundred  and  seventy. 

Among  the  killed,  I  deeply  regret  to  report  Major  Puller,  of  the 
fifth,  and  Lieutenant  Harris,  of  the  fourth.  Both  gallant  and  highly 
efficient  officers — a  heavy  loss  to  their  regiments  and  country. 

In  conclusion,  I  desire  espicially  to  state  that  Major  General  J.  E. 
B.  Stuart  joined  me  before  the  fight  commenced,  was  on  the  field  the 
whole  day,  assisted  immensely,  by  his  sagacious  counsels,  large  expe- 
rience and  by  his  usual  daring  and  conspicuous  example,  in  turning  the 
fortunes  of  the  day  in  our  favor.  We  share  with  him  the  anguish 
and  deep  grief  felt  at  the  loss  of  the  noble  Pelham  of  his  staff — an 
officer  of  the  brightest  promises  for  the  future.  Major  Terrill,  of 
General  Stuart's  staff,  besides  being  active  on  the  field,  assisted  the 
gallant  Breathed  in  the  management  of  the  artillery. 


141 

Captain  Gilmer,  twelfth  Virginia  cavalry,  a  volunteer  for  the  oc- 
sion  on  the  Major   General's  staff,  I  also   commend   for  his   marked 
bravery  and  cool  courage.     I  append  a  recapitulation  of  my  loss. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

[FITZ  LEE, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


RECAPITULATION  of  the  loss  of  Brigadier    General  Fitz   Lets 
.    Covnlry    Biigade   in  the  engagen-.ent    near    Kdl^sville,  March    \1th, 
1864. 


Killed. 

Wn'd<d. 

Taken 
I'rin'nrs 

Horses. 

>> 

c 

o 

£ 

tD 

£ 

m 

a 

■ 

4> 

£ 
•c 

an 

"8 

6 
>*  * 

-3 

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s 

o 

c 

S 
M 

bu 

o 
1 

] 

o 

W 

o 

W 

< 
1 

R 

1        i 

H 
1 

< 

Field  and  staff 

2 

13 

21 

1 

1 
4 
1 

2 
f» 
1 

16 

31 
10 

1 

14 
3 
10 

34 

5! 

6 
2-i 
IS 

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1 

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Third           "               '■              "          

:l 

Fourth        "                «'              "         

41 

Fifth            «'                "              "         • 

1 

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8 

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11 

7 
77 

1 

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11 
133 

16 

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Total 

3 

71 

87 

12  ) 

170 

CAVALRY  OPERATIONS. 


REPORT  OF  BRIO.  GENERAL  W.  H.  F.  LEE. 


Headquarters  Lee's  Cavalrt  Brigade,  ) 

Near  Culpeper  Court- House,  April  17,  1863.  ) 

Major  R.  Channino  Price, 

Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Division  Headquarters  : 

Major:  I  have  the  honor,  agreeably  to  instructions  from  division 
headquarters,  to  forward  a  report  of  the  operations  of  my  brigade  on 
the  14th  and  loth  instants.  During  the  night  of  the  13th,  I  received 
information  from  Lieutenant  Payne,  commanding  Black  Horse  scout, 
that  the  enemy's  cavalry  and  artillery  in  heavy  force  were  moving  up 
from  Fredericksburg  in  the  direction  of  Kelley's  ford.  I  immediately 
sent  Captain  Boiling,  company  G,  ninth  Virginia  cavalry,  with  his 
company  of  sharpshooters,  to  reinforce  the  picket  at  that  place.  He 
arrived  before  day  and  placed  his  men  in  the  rifle-pits.  About  day,  he 
reports  that,  with  a  regiment  dismounted  as  sharpshooters  lining  the 
banks,  the  enemy's  cavalry  made  a  dash  at  the  ford.  They  dashed 
back  at  the  first  volley  from  our  sharpshooters.  Captain  Boiling's 
command  consisted  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  During  the 
morniDg  of  the  14th,  they  forced  their  way  across  the  river  at  Rappa- 
hannock station,  the  sharpshooters  posted  to  protect  the  bridge 
giving  way  and  leaving  the  rifle-pits  exposed  to  a  flank  fire.  On  the 
appearance  of  reinforcements,  they  immediately  recrossed,  and  the 
horse  artillery,  superintended  by  Major  Beckham,  engaged  the  ene- 
my's batteries.  Firing  was  kept  up  by  the  artillery  and  sharpshooters 
most  of  the  day.  On  the  15th,  their  cavalry  forced  a  crossing  at 
Wellford's  ford,  driving  the  few  pickets  off,  and  made  a  dash  at  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Lewis  at  Beverly's  ford,  driving  him  away.  As  soon 
as  the  brigade  could  be  brought  forward,  I  proceeded  at  once  to  Bever- 
ly's ford,  and,  with  Colonel  Chambliss'  thirteenth  regiment  Virginia 
cavalry,  drove  their  rear  guard,  consisting  of  about  two  squadrons, 
into  the  river,  drowning  a  number  of  them,  capturing  fourteen  pris- 
oners, horses,  &c.  I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  Colonel  Chambliss 
and  his  command.     He  had  with  him  only  about  one  good  squadron. 


144 

Lieutenant  Nash,  adjutant  of  thirteenth  regiment,  and  Pat  Freeman, 
the  Colonel's  orderly,  were  conspicuous  for  their  gallantry.  The 
regiment  charged  through  a  creek,  the  water  up  to  their  saddle-skirts. 
Colonel  Beale  had  crossed  with  the  head  of  his  regiment,  but  was 
recalled.  He  captured  one  Lieutenant  and  ten  privates  and  horses. 
Major  Beckham,  with  his  artillery,  rendered  valuable  aid,  and  he  and 
his  officers  deserve  much  praise  for  the  remarkable  manner  in  which 
their  guns  were  served.  In  closing  this,  I  take  pleasure  in  making 
special  mention  of  Captain  Boiling.  His  conduct  on  this  as  on  all 
former  occasions  in  battle,  was  nv.rked  for  coolness  and  gallantry.  I 
have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  reports  from  the  commandants  of 
the  respective  regiments  and  batteries.  Also  to  append  a  summary  cf 
the  casualties  and  captures  of  the  two  days: 


Killed. 

Wounded. 

Missing 

Prisoners. 

Horses. 

Staff    ninth 
Virginia 

m 

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D 

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a 
> 

1 

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a 
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a 

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a 
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m 
> 

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13 

5 

0 

•9 
9 
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3 

P. 
s 

REMARKS. 

Staff...    

9th  Virginia.. 

13th  Virginia. 
2d  N.  Cari'na 

1 

i 

4 

2 
3 

I 
1 
1 

12 

A.  A.   General's  horee's  leg 

broken. 
Private  nj'ssing  supposed  to 

lie  a  prisoner. 

Lieutenant    Gary,    of    thir- 
teenth, s  ightly  wounded. 

CAPTURES. 

One  Lieutenant  and  ten  pr  vtes  *>y  ninth  Virginia  cavalry. 
Four  privates  by  thirteenth  Virginia  cavalry. 
Sixletu  horoes  and  equipments. 

Referring  to  the  horses  captured  from  my  command,  I  have  to  say 
that,  owing  to  the  smallness  of  my  force,  (two  regiments  being  detached,) 
my  picket  at  Welford's  ford  was  small,  and  when  the  enemy  dashed 
upon  Colonel  Lewis  they  were  separated  some  distance  from  their 
horses,  and  being  partially  surprised,  they  had  to  make  their  escape 
without  their  horses,  as  they  were  in  great  danger  of  themselves  being 
captured.  It  is  needless  to  state  that  the  Major  General  of  cavalry 
was  on  the  field  most  of  the  time  and  that  his  presence  gave  confidence 
and  stability  to  the  command. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  H.  F.  LEE, 
Brigadier  General  commanding  cavalry  brigade. 


'V 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CHAMBLISS. 

Headquarters  Thirteenth  Va.  Cavalrt,  ) 
April  17,  1863.  \ 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  instructions,  I  mve  the  honor  to  report 
the  operations  of  my  regiment  with  the  enemy,  on  the  14th  and  15th 
instants.  On  the  14th,  under  the  direction  of  the  General  command- 
ing brigade,  my  regiment  was  posted  at  Kelly's  ford,  supporting 
sharpshooters,  in  the  rifle-pits — Lieutenant  Gary,  company  "  D," 
having  been  previously  sent  to  the  Rappahannock  bridge  with  twenty 
sharpshooters,  to  take  position  in  the  rifle-pits  During  the  day,  he 
had  been  driven  out  of  his  position,  and  I  called  upon  hitmfor  an  ex- 
planation. He  stated  that  the  block  house  was  occupied  by  a  few 
men  of  another  regiment,  posted  to  prevent  the  crossing  of  the  bridge, 
allowed  the  enemy  to  come  over  without  firiog  a  shot,  and  thereby 
exposed  his  flank — that  he  was  fired  into  from  that  direction,  while 
a  body  of  the  enemy's  mounted  men  were  attempting  to  cross  the 
ford — these  he  gave  a  volley  and  retired  on  account  of  what  has  just 
been  stated.  He  left  the  pits  with  his  men  tut  soon,  however,  took 
position  in  the  block  house,  under  sharp  fire  of  the  enemy.  Lieuten- 
ant Gary  was  wounded ;  no  other  casualties  occurred  during  the  day. 
On  the  15th,  I  received  orders  and  moved,  with  my  command,  towards 
Welford's  ford,  as  the  enemy  was  reported  to  havo  crossed  in  large 
force.  Owing  to  heavy  details,  I  had  only  fort\  ..  a  in  camp,  and 
came  upon  the  rear  guard  of  the  enemy  near  Beverly's  ford,  where 
we  charged  them  and  drove  them  pell-mell  into  the  river,  capturing 
fourteen  prisoners  and  drowning  several.  The  only  casualties  were 
one  man  wounded  and  one  missing.  All  the  men  and  officers  behaved 
well  and  charged  under  heavy  fire  through  a  rocky  and  swollen  stream. 
It  is  useless  to  say  more,  as  this  occurred  under  the  immediate  eyes 
of  the  General ;  but  I  cannot  close  this  report  without  mentioning  the 
energy  and  cool  bravery  displayed  by  my  adjutant,  Lieutenant  Nash, 
on  the  occasion  above  alluded  to. 

I  am,  Captain,  vour  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  R.  CHAMBLISS. 
10 


REPORP  OF  COLONEL  BEALE. 

Headquarters  9th  Virginia  Cavalry, 
April  11,  1863. 

Brigadier  General  W.  EWF.  Lee  : 

I  submit  report  of  the  part  taken  by  this  command,  in  the  skirmish- 
ing on  the  Rappahannock,  on  the  14th  and  15th  instants,  together 
•with  casualties  and  captures.  On  the  14th,  one  company,  under 
command  of  Captain  Stith  Boiling,  held  the  ford  at  Kelley's  Mills, 
and  repulsed,  with  some  lpss  to  the  enemy,  an  attempt  to  cross  with 
a  force  of  two  or  more  regiments.  Another  company,  under  imme- 
diate command  of  Captain  John  W.  Hungerford,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Lewis,  held  the  ford  at  Beverly's  mills.  The  balance  were 
engaged  in  watching  the  enemy  at  Rappahannock  bridge,  and  re-es- 
tablishing the  pickets  driven  out  in  the  morning.  On  the  15th,  the 
enemy  having  crossed  in  large  force  at  a  ford  above,  flanked  that 
portion  of  the  command  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lewis,  and  came 
down  upon  them  by  surprise.  The  coolness  and  admirable  manoeuver- 
ing  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lewis  and  Lieutenant  G.  W.  Beale,  in  com- 
mand of  sharpshooters  dismounted,  alone  saved  this  little  band  By 
boldly  charging  the  advance,  the  dismounted  men  were  successfully 
extricated  from  a  position  of  great  danger.  The  whole  command  in* 
the  evening,  supported  Colonel  Chambliss  in  a  charge  upon  the 
retreating  foe.  We  captured  one  first  lieutenant  of  third  Indiana 
cavalry,  and  ten  privates,  tetf  horses,  ten  carbines  and  seven  pistols. 
Our  casualties  were  one  private  company  A,  killed,  one  private  com- 
pany H,  missing,  supposed  to  be  captured,  two  horses  killed  and  one 
wounded,  twelve  horses  captured.  The  conduct  of  officers  and  men 
merits  the  highest  commendation. 

R.  L.  T.  BEALE,  Colonel  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  J.  W.  STRANGE. 

Headquarters  2nd  North  Carolina  Cavalrt,      > 
Near  Brandy  Station,  April  16,  1863.  ) 

General  W.  H.  F.  Lee,  commanding  Cavalry  Brigade  : 

General  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that 
during  the  operations  of  the  brigade,  on  the  1 4th  instant,  my  command, 
consisting  of  one  hundred  and  sixteen  mounted  men,  was  held  as  a  pro- 
tection to  the  Whitworth  gun,  stationed  on  the  road  about  a  mile 
beyond  Brady  Station,  where  we  remained  without  any  active  duty 
until  relieved  by  your  order,  about  nine,  P.  M.,and  returned  to  camp. 
On  the  morning  of  the  15th  instant,  twenty  men  under  command  of 
Lieutenant  James  Baker,  company  D,  were  detached  and  sent  to  the 
block  house,  at  Rappahannock  bridge  to  protect  it,  and  I  with  the 
rest  of  my  command,  were  held  as  a  protection  to  two  guns  of  Captain 
Moorman's  battery,  stationed  near  the  bridge.  These  dispositions 
remained  unchanged  until  about  two,  P.  M.,  when  I  received  orders 
to  proceed,  in  company  with  Captain  Moorman's  guns,  to  Beverly  ford 
and  there  protect  them  in  their  operations  against  the  enemy.  We 
saw  no  active  duty  during  the  skirmish,  and  after  the  enemy  were 
repulsed  returned  with  the  brigade  to  our  present  camp.  During 
these  two  days,  the  dismounted  men,  (143)  rank  and  file,  that  had  been 
distributed  at  the  different  fords  as  sharpshooters,  had  several  encoun- 
ters with  the  enemy  ;  those  stationed  at  Welford's  ford,  under  command 
of  Lieutenant  Lucky,  company  B,  were  driven  off  and  privates  Robert 
H.  Sumrou,  company  B,  A.  D.  Clark,  company  D,  J.  H.  Ray,  com- 
pany A,  John  Kelly,  company  A,  were  captured.  These  were  the 
only  casualties  that  occurred  in  my  regiment. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  W.  STRANGE, 
Captrin  Co.  Dt  commanding  Regiment 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  MOORMAN. 

Headquarters  Moorman's  Battery,  i 
April  \6th,  1863.      $ 

Brigadier  General  W.  H.  F.  Lee  : 

Pursuant  to  order,  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report 
of  the  part  taken  hy  my  battery  during  the  engagement  of  the  14th 
and  1 5th  : 

Upon  the  14th,  my  battery  moved  from  camp,  near  brigade  headquar- 
ters, following  the  ninth  cavalry.  Upon  reaching  a  high  hill,  some  mile 
and  a  half  below  Brandy  station,  I  was  ordered,  by  Major  Beckham, 
to  send  ono  pie,ce  (rifled)  forward  to  Kelly's  ford,  where,  under  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Shoemaker,  it  fired  repeatedly  upon  the  enemy, 
(across  the  river,)  with  what  effect  not  ascertained.  The  remainder 
of  my  battery,  (two  guns,)  I  moved,  by  order  of  General  Stuart,  to 
Rappahannock  bridge,  and  there  opened  upon,  dispersing  different 
squads  of  the  enemy.  During  the  afternoon  a  section  of  the  enemy's 
guns  were  put  in  position  behind  earthworks  and  engaged  my  guns 
for  probably  forty  minutes  and  then  retired. 

I  am  happy  to  report  no  casualties  during  the  day. 

On  the  !5th,  my  battery  was  again  called  out  and  held  in  position 
near  the  old  church,  upon  the  road  (I  believe)  to  Beverly  ford.    From 
there  it  returned  to  camp,  not  being  called  upon. 
•  Respectfully  submitted, 

M.  N.  MOORMAN, 
Captain,  commanding  Battery  Light  Horse  Artillery. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  FORD. 

Camp  near  Culpeper  Court-House, 
April  16th,  1863. 

Captain  W.  S.  Robins,  Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Captain  :  I  was  ordered,  on  the  morning  on  the  1 4th,  to  move  a  sec- 
tion of  my  battery  near  Rappahannock  bridge — Lieutenant  Brown's 
section — consisting  of  a  Napoleon  and  a  Blakley  rifled  gun.  We  took 
position  with  the  Blakely  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
river,  and  shelled  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  who  had  occupied  the 
bills  opposite.  After  dispersing  them,  I  moved  the  section  on  the 
hill  immediately  overlooking  the  river,  and  there  exchanged  shots,  for 
about  half  an  hour,  with  a  section  of  the  enemy's  artillery,  which 
was  well  protected  by  a  redoubt.  We  sustained  no  injury.  I  am  not 
certain  whether  we  punished  our  opponent  or  not.  The  redoubt  wae 
struck  repeatedly. 

About  twelve  o'clock,  the  next  day,  (15th,)  I  was  ordered  hurriedly 
to  Welford's  ford,  in  the  midst  of  a  drenching  rain  ;  arrived  there ; 
sharpshooters  were  again  dispersed. 

We  returned  to  camp  this  morning,  having  expended  about  one 
hundred  rounds  of  ammunition,  and  having  no  casualty  to  report. 
Lieutenant  Burrows  was  with  us  also. 

Officers  and  men  behaved  well ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  rain  was 
calculated  to  produce  discontent,  nothing  of  the  kind  was  manifested. 
I  remain,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  S.  FORD, 


l^ 


Date  Due 

Ifk  ■'   - 

"1   •      $p 

J 

Form  335.     43M  8- 

37. 

£73.7346   C748L     315909 
Confederate  States  of  Amer. 

Report_of_Seneral_Rdb££ 


973.7346   C748L      315909 


